In Memory of Sergeant Gino Caputo

Residents of Rhode Island were stunned to hear of the tragic loss of one of their local police officers to the coronavirus pandemic. On Saturday, September 11, 2021, Sergeant Gino Caputo, badge number 5, of the Barrington Police Department passed away. Caputo died due to complications from contracting COVID19 while on duty. COVID19 has become the number one cause of line of duty deaths for law enforcement officers in the United States. Caputo was 58 years old.

Through contact tracing, it appears that Caputo may have contracted the virus while attending a training session in Providence, Rhode Island. Sgt. Caputo had spent many years with the Barrington Police Department and had gained much love and respect from community members. For all of Barrington, this is a heartfelt loss. Unfortunately, Caputo is the first officer for Rhode Island to die in the line of duty due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sgt. Caputo was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #18 and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 351. Despite the contagious smile, Caputo was a 5th-degree black belt. He loved music and was an award-winning accordion player and bass player.

Barrington Police Department, Rhode Island

Sergeant Gino Caputo served for nearly 27 years with the Barrington Police Department. He loved his job and loved helping and protecting the residents of his community. Barrington, Rhode Island, is a suburb that is about seven miles southeast of Providence. It has a long history with the US, as Congressional Separatists incorporated it in 1717.

The Barrington Police Department is a fully accredited agency that patrols the 15.4 square miles of the city’s limits. Today, the area has approximately 17,000 residents, for which the department provides security and services.

Remembrances

Sergeant Gino Caputo leaves behind his wife. He also leaves behind friends, neighbors, and coworkers who will come together for support during this difficult time. In addition, local law enforcement will volunteer with honor guards to help commemorate his service and show Caputo gratitude for the sacrifice he made with his life.

The Barrington Police Department posted the following announcement on their Facebook page to tell residents the terrible news. “Chief Michael E. Correia and the members of the Barrington Police Department announce with heavy hearts the death of Sergeant Gino Caputo after a 5-week battle against COVID19. Sergeant Caputo, a 27-year veteran of the department, died yesterday morning surrounded by his wife Cindy and family members. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming. Please keep Cindy and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Gino.”

The Johnston, Rhode Island Police Department shared condolences with the neighboring department and friends. “It is with deep regret and a saddened heart that we have lost Sergeant Gino Caputo of the Barrington Police Department. Our hearts pour out to his wife Cindy, his family, and the Barrington Police Department.”

The Warwick Police Department was saddened by the news of the loss of their friend and brother-in-blue. “The Warwick Police Department sends its deepest condolences to the Barrington Police Department and the family, coworkers, and friends of Sergeant Gino Caputo. Those who knew Gino knew he was a top-notch guy, and he will be deeply missed. RIP Sgt.”

The Scituate Police Department also shared in the grief of a fallen nearby officer. “The members of the Scituate Police Department express our heartfelt condolences to the Family, Friends, and to the Barrington Police Department, for the loss of Sergeant Gino Caputo. We are sharing in your sadness and wishing all of you peace and comfort through this very difficult time and always.”