Col. Mark Knott Up For Confirmation As West Warwick Town Manager

WEST WARWICK, RI — The Town Council on June 8 will take its final vote to confirm Col. Mark Knott — the town's police chief — as Town Manager and Director of Public Safety.

The Town Council "recognizes the novelty of appointing an existing department head to the positions of Town Manager and Director of Public Safety," an ordinance to appoint Knott reads. As such, the transfer will be considered a promotion and not alter any negotiated compensation or pension plan that Knott would receive upon his retirement as police chief. The West Warwick Home Rule Charter permits the action, the ordinance reads.

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Knott has been with the police department for 27 years. Under the arrangement, he will maintain his membership in the police department, keep his certification up, and participate in police department trainings.

The Town Council named Knott interim town manager in October pending a search for a permanent candidate. The job became vacant with the departure of former town manager Ernest Zmyslinski, who opted not to renew his contract.

The council took its first reading on the ordinance to hire Knott to the combined position on June 1. The second reading is set for Tuesday. If adopted, the ordinance will take effect on June 28.