Command Staff

Major Michael J. Morse

Major Michael J. Morse was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Portsmouth Police Department in November 2022.  As second-in-command, Major Morse supervises all officers and staff within the department, ensuring professional performance and accountability throughout the agency. Deputy Chief Morse began his career with the Portsmouth Police Department in 2007.  He currently supervises daily operations across the patrol, detective, and administrative divisions, and oversees the department’s training, accreditation, internal affairs, animal control, harbormaster, information technology, and support services.  In the absence of the police chief, Major Morse assumes full command of the department.

Major Morse holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Roger Williams University, where he also earned graduate certificates in Cyber and Digital Forensics. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and an Associate of Science in Physical Education from Dean College.  Major Morse is a graduate from the prestigious FBI National Academy Session 292 and earned an additional graduate certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of VA while attending the National Academy.

Major Morse has also taught as an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University, sharing his knowledge in cybersecurity, forensics, and criminal justice.

Captain John D. Cahoon

Captain John Cahoon has served with the Portsmouth Police Department since 2004. Over the course of his career, Captain Cahoon has held multiple positions of increasing responsibility, including Patrolman, Detective Inspector, Administrative Sergeant, Detective Commander, and Patrol Captain. In 2022, he was appointed Administrative Captain, overseeing both the Administrative and Detective Divisions. 

As Administrative Captain, Captain Cahoon supervises a wide array of personnel and functions within the department. In addition to his oversight of the Administrative and Detective Divisions, he is responsible for the Records Division, Animal Control Officer, the Police Mechanic, Prudence Island Public Safety, and the Reserve Officers.  Captain Cahoon ensures the professional performance and accountability of these divisions while managing operations essential to the department’s success.

Captain Richard Ruest

Captain Richard Ruest was appointed as the Patrol Captain for the Portsmouth Police Department in December 2022. He oversees the Patrol Division, which provides 24-hour policing services and serves as the first responders to incidents and emergencies.

Captain Ruest began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a Patrol Officer for the Town of Tiverton, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant during his 20 years of service. In 2008, he joined the Portsmouth Police Department as a Patrol Officer and has since held various positions including School Resource Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant before being appointed to his current role.

Captain Ruest holds an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bristol Community College, awarded in 1987, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies from Roger Williams University, earned in 2008.