Politics & Government
Retired Middletown Police Captain Killed in Navy Accident
Frank Lema was considered "good guy" who looked out for the younger guys on the Middletown Police Department.
Frank Lema Sr., 70, a retired Middletown police captain, died Thursday night after he was hit by a government truck at Naval Station Newport on Thursday afternoon. Lema was employed in the security department on the base.
The Navy released Lema's name Friday afternoon after his family was contacted.
“He was a good guy” said Middletown Lt. Patrick Sweeny. “He was a steady guy who looked out for the younger guys,” he said.
Lema recently had returned to work after he was injured in a motorcycle accident this summer. Janice, his wife of 48 years, was on the motorcycle with him and died from injuries on June 18.
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The couple had five children: Rebecca Souza of Florida, Justin Lema of Cranston, RI, Frank Lema, Jr., Alison Lema and Austin Lema, all of Middletown.
Thursday's incident is under investigation by the Navy.
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