Contact: Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent, Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner, Rhode Island Department of Public Safety Telephone: (401) 480-3001
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent, of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of the Department Of Public Safety, announced the promotion of thirteen (13) sworn members of the Rhode Island State Police into new ranking positions. Six (6) of these promotions took effect as of December 4, 2011 and the remainder will take effect on Sunday, January 15, 2012. The following are the promotees:
To the rank of Major:
Major David. P. Tikoian: Major Tikoian has previously served at all Division barracks installations, the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy, as the Detail Leader of the Governor's Executive Security Unit and as the Weekend Officer-In-Charge of the Uniform Bureau. Major Tikoian holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from Bryant University.
To the rank of Captain:
Captain John D. Lemont: Captain Lemont, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University, and a Juris Doctor Degree from Roger Williams University School of Law, has previously served as the Assistant Detective Commander as well as the Officer-in-Charge of the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit.
Captain Karen D. Pinch: Captain Pinch, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Brown University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University, has served as the Officer-in-Charge of the Information and Technology Unit within the Rhode Island State Police, as well as an Instructor at the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. Captain Pinch is also the first female Rhode Island State Trooper to be promoted to a Command Staff level position in the department's storied history.
To the rank of Lieutenant/Assistant Detective Commander:
Lieutenant Michael J. Winquist: Lieutenant Winquist, a 22-year veteran, has previously been assigned as the Director of the Rhode Island Fusion Center, as well as Officer-in-Charge of the Intelligence/Organized Crime Unit. Lieutenant Winquist holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master of Arts Degree from Anna Maria College.
To the rank of Lieutenant:
Lieutenant Kevin M. O'Brien: Lieutenant O'Brien is a nineteen (19) year veteran of the Division. He has been previously assigned to all Uniform barracks installations as well as being assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force (HIDTA) and Narcotics Unit, as a non-commissioned officer. Lieutenant O'Brien holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island.
Lieutenant Benjamin M. Barney: Lieutenant Barney is a 1990 graduate of the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy, who has previously been assigned as the Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Detective Bureau's Major Crimes Unit. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University.
Lieutenant Todd E. Catlow: Lieutenant Catlow holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master of Science Degree in Taxation, all from Bryant University. His previous assignment was as the Officer-in-Charge of the Financial Crimes Unit.
To the rank of Sergeant:
Sergeant Patrick T. Reilly: Sergeant Reilly is a 1992 graduate of the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy, who has been previously assigned to both the Major Crimes Unit as well as the Narcotics Unit within the Detective Bureau. Sergeant Reilly's most recent assignment has been as the Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Violent Fugitive Task Force. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Springfield College.
Sergeant Kevin M. Barry: Sergeant Barry is a 17-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. He has been previously assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI-JTTF) as well as an instructor with the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. Sergeant Barry holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Worcester State College.
Sergeant Derek W. Borek: Sergeant Borek is a 1994 graduate of the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. He has been previously assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy, as well as serving as the Division's Armorer and team leader of the Tactical Team. Sergeant Borek holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from the University of Connecticut.
To the rank of Corporal:
Corporal Christopher J. Schram: Corporal Schram is a 17-year veteran, who has been assigned to all barracks installations as well as being assigned to the Detective Bureau's Major Crimes Unit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University.
Corporal Erik W. Jones: Corporal Jones is a 17-year veteran, who has been previously assigned to all uniform barracks, as well as being assigned to the Division's K9 Unit as a trooper/handler. Corporal Jones is a 1994 graduate of the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.
Corporal Shelley A. O'Neill: Corporal O'Neill is a 1992 graduate of the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. She holds an Associate in Science Degree in Business Management from Eastern Maine Technical Institute. She has been previously assigned to the Major Crimes Unit within the Detective Bureau as well as all uniform installations throughout the state.
"Throughout its proud history, the Rhode Island State Police has been nationally renowned as an organization that is committed to excellence," Governor Chafee said. "Even in an organization full of high achievers, these 13 individuals stand out. They make their state proud and should feel honored by this recognition."
Colonel O'Donnell stated, "I am pleased to announce these promotions, in that they represent a strong, youthful group of leaders, who will help me chart the course for the future of the Rhode Island State Police. The promotion of Lieutenant Karen Pinch to the rank of Captain is very unique and noteworthy, in that she is the first female Trooper to reach the milestone of becoming a Command Staff member in the storied history of the Rhode Island State Police."
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