By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

North Providence is preparing for a change of command in the police department, as Chief David Tikoian says he will retire at the end of the year, to be replaced by his second-in-command, Deputy Police Chief Arthur Martins.

Both men were brought in in 2017 following turnover in the department and the retirement of then – Acting Chief Christopher Pelagio. Tikoian was a 23-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police, while Martins was a long-serving officer with the Pawtucket Police.

“We’ve accomplished all the goals that I’ve set out to do and the final piece of that puzzle, if you will, was when I was notified on Friday that the department would receive Rhode Island state accreditation,” Tikoian told WPRO News Monday afternoon. “To me, that was the cherry on the top of the cake, if you will.”

Tikoian said he notified Mayor Charlie Lombardi October 1 of his intention to retire, and Lombardi has indicated that he would appoint Deputy Chief Martins to succeed Chief Tikoian.

“Deputy Chief Martins has the same… similar personality as I do,” Tikoian said. “He has a similar philosophy as I do, and I think his management style mirrors mine.”