Contact: Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent, Telephone: (401) 444-1001
On Wednesday evening, April 11, 2012 at the Smith Center for the Arts at Providence College, the Rhode Island State Police is holding a Promotion and Awards Ceremony. Thirty-seven sworn members of the Rhode Island State Police will be promoted to the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel.
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell will present certificates of promotion to each member. Awards will also be given to one unit and nineteen individuals, including a man and woman, who saved the life of a trooper. Members being promoted and information on the awards are as follows:
Promotions
Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel:
Raymond B Studley: Lieutenant Colonel Studley is a 22-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Consumer Affairs from the University of Rhode Island. His assignment is Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Field Operations.
Promoted to the Position of Major/Chief Administrative Officer:
James G. Pereira: Major Pereira is a 22-year veteran who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Consumer Affairs from the University of Rhode Island. He is being promoted to the position of Chief Administrative Officer.
Promotion to the Rank of Major:
David P. Tikoian: Major Tikoian is a 20-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bryant University. He is assigned as the Inspectional Services Officer.
Wilfred K. Hill: Major Hill is a 20-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Springfield College. Major Hill is assigned as the Liaison to the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety.
Promoted to the Rank of Captain:
John D. Lemont: Captain Lemont, who is a 20-year veteran, 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. He previously served in the United States Army Reserve. He is assigned as the Professional Standards Officer.
Karen D. Pinch: Captain Pinch is a 20-year veteran. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Brown University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. She is currently serving as the Special Assignments Officer at the State Sheriffs' Department.
Michael J. Winquist: Captain Winquist is a 22-year veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master of Arts Degree from Anna Maria College. He is assigned as the Detective Commander.
Ernest C. Quarry, Jr.: Captain Quarry is a 22-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. He previously served in the United States Marine Corps. He is assigned as the District "A" Commander in the Uniform Bureau.
Frank B. Castellone: Captain Castellone is a 22-year veteran, who attended Rhode Island College and Johnson & Wales University. He previously served in the United States Army Reserve. He is assigned as the District "B" Commander in the Uniform Bureau.
Promoted to the Position of Lieutenant/Assistant Detective Commander:
Brian K. Casilli: Lieutenant Casilli is a 22-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University. He is assigned as the Assistant Detective Commander.
Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant:
Kevin M. O'Brien: Lieutenant O'Brien is a 20-year veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island. He previously served in the United States Army. His current assignment is as the Officer-in-Charge of the Narcotics/HIDTA Unit.
Benjamin M. Barney: Lieutenant Barney is a 22-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. He previously served as a member of the United States Coast Guard. His current assignment is as the Officer-in-Charge of the Major Crimes Unit.
Todd E. Catlow: Lieutenant Catlow is a 20-year veteran. He 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. He is assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of the Financial Crimes Unit and the Computer Crimes Unit.
David A. Doucet: Lieutenant Doucet is a 20-year veteran, who holds an Associate in Science Degree in the Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University. He is serving as the Chief of Enforcement at the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles.
Robert S. Wall: Lieutenant Wall is a 20-year veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master of Arts Degree in the Administration of Justice from Anna Maria College. Lieutenant Wall also previously served in the United States Army. His is assigned as a Night Executive Officer.
Shari L. Russell: Lieutenant Russell is a 20-year veteran. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Swarthmore College and a Juris Doctor Degree from Boston College.
Daniel C. Cusumano: Lieutenant Cusumano is a 20-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from Anna Maria College. He is assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of the Commercial Enforcement Unit.
Patrick T. Reilly: Lieutenant Reilly is a 20-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Springfield College. He is currently assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of the Intelligence Unit/Fusion Center.
Timothy G. Sanzi: Lieutenant Sanzi is an 18-year veteran. He previously served in the United States Marine Corps. Lieutenant Sanzi holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, both from Roger Williams University. He is assigned to the State Sheriffs' Department.
Promoted to the Rank of Sergeant:
Kevin M. Barry: Sergeant Barry is a 18-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Worcester State College. Sergeant Barry previously served in the United States Marine Corps. He is currently assigned to the Narcotics/HIDTA Unit.
Derek W. Borek: Sergeant Borek is an 18-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from the University of Connecticut. Sergeant Borek is assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.
Ann C. Assumpico: Sergeant Assumpico is a 20-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in the Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master of Arts Degree in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University. Sergeant Assumpico is assigned as the Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Traffic/Planning & Research Unit.
Joseph M. DuBeau: Sergeant DuBeau is a 20-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. He previously served in the United States Marine Corps. Sergeant DuBeau is currently assigned to the Major Crimes Unit.
Diane M. Dougherty: Sergeant Dougherty is a 20-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from Roger Williams University. Sergeant Dougherty is currently assigned to the Fusion Center.
Dennis B. Fleming: Sergeant Fleming is an 18-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Norwich University. He is currently assigned to the Lincoln Woods Barracks.
Paul S. Sikorskyj: Sergeant Sikorskyj is a20-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Causius College and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Marina College. He previously served in the United States Army. Sergeant Sikorskyj is assigned to the Executive Protection Detail.
James M. Pardington, Jr.: Sergeant Pardington is a 20-year veteran who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Rhode Island College. He is currently assigned to the Lincoln Woods Barracks.
Promoted to the Rank of Corporal:
John M. Allen: Corporal Allen is a 15-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management from Bryant University. He is currently serving at the Lincoln Woods Barracks.
Christopher J. Schram: Corporal Schram is a 18-year veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University. He is currently assigned to the Narcotics/HIDTA Unit.
Erik W. Jones: Corporal Jones is a 18-year veteran. He previously served as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Corporal Jones is currently assigned to the Wickford Barracks.
Shelley A. O'Neill: Corporal O'Neill is a 20-year veteran, who holds an Associate in Science Degree in Business Management from Eastern Maine Technical Institute. Corporal O'Neill is assigned to the Major Crimes Unit.
Matthew C. Moynihan: Corporal Moynihan is a 15-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University. He is currently assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Detail.
Christopher J. Dicomitis: Corporal Dicomitis is a 15-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Elmira College. He is currently assigned to the Auto Theft Unit.
Sean P. O'Hern: Corporal O'Hern is an 18-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Niagara University. His current assignment is with the Commercial Enforcement Unit.
Timothy J. Dandeneau: Corporal Dandeneau is an 18-year veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from the University of Lowell. He is currently serving at the Lincoln Woods Barracks.
Richard D. Swanson, Jr.: Corporal Swanson is an 18-year veteran, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Rhode Island College. His current assignment is at the Hope Valley Barracks.
John W. Gibbs: Corporal Gibbs is an 18-year veteran, who previously served in the United States Marine Corps. Corporal Gibbs is currently assigned to the Scituate Barracks.
Awards
Unit Citation—Violent Fugitive Task Force: The VFTF is comprised of Lieutenant Patrick T. Reilly, Corporal Timothy J. Dandeneau, and Detective Douglas S. Watters, from the Rhode Island State Police and Deputy United States Marshals Brian McDonald, Joseph Murphy, Justin Engen, Brent Moore and Dan Patcher, from the United States Marshals Service. The Unit is responsible for tracking and locating subjects who are wanted for predominantly violent felony crimes. During calendar year 2011, the VFTF arrested over 125 wanted individuals from the State of Rhode Island and across the nation. These arrests included eight individuals wanted for murder, twelve individuals wanted for armed robbery, eleven individuals wanted for shooting-related charges, and twenty-nine individuals with firearms or other dangerous weapons charges. In addition, as a result of these apprehensions, members of the VFTF were able to seize several firearms and large amounts of narcotics from some of the wanted subjects. The VFTF is receiving a Unit Citation for its outstanding work during calendar year 2011.
DWI Awards: In calendar year 2011, the Rhode Island State Police responded to 126 accidents involving alcohol. Forty-eight of these accidents involved injury to 59 people. One of the accidents was a fatality. During calendar year 2011, Troopers John Gadrow, Wesley Pugh-Pennington, and Kevin Cloud affected the three highest number of DWI arrests in the Division, for a total of 99 arrests. The State Police applauds their efforts to keep Rhode Island's roadways safer for our citizens and visitors.
Traffic Enforcement Awards: The State Police places a high priority on enforcing motor vehicle laws. We see too many senseless accidents that could be prevented if motorists would slow down, give their full attention to the road, and buckle up. We would like to recognize all troopers for their tireless work ethic. For calendar year 2011 we recognize three troopers, who have had outstanding achievement in traffic enforcement: Trooper Sean McCarthy Trooper Darnell Weaver, and Trooper Kenneth Marandola, Jr. Their vigilance in enforcing the motor vehicle laws is helping to keep our roadways safer. Accidents are down for the first three, months of this year as a result of increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Outstanding Effort in Arrests: Trooper Derek Melfi, Trooper Damien Longo, and Trooper Brian Macera affected the highest number of arrests during calendar year 2011. Trooper Melfi had 151 arrests, Trooper Longo had 117 arrests, and Trooper Macera had 112 arrests. They are receiving an award for their outstanding effort in arrests. Their diligence and commitment to conducting investigations has contributed to making our state safer for our citizens and visitors.
Colonel Everitte St. John Chaffee Award and Certificate of Appreciation: This is a very special award this year given to someone who instinctually assisted one of our troopers, who was lying unconscious in the high-speed lane of Interstate 95 northbound. On February 23, 2012 Trooper Jonathan M. Elliott was responding to assist another trooper, who was in foot pursuit of a subject who evaded a motor vehicle stop. Trooper Elliott was travelling in the high speed lane of Route 95 south in West Greenwich, when his cruiser left the roadway, while attempting to pass a vehicle. Trooper Elliott's cruiser rolled over several times, and he was ejected from the vehicle, landing on his back on Route 95 north, partially in the high speed lane.
Mr. Dwayne Baker, of Manchester, New Hampshire was travelling on Route. 95 north in a tractor-trailer truck and witnessed the accident. Mr. Baker was able to avoid striking Trooper Elliott, who was lying motionless in the high-speed lane. Mr. Baker positioned his truck to protect Trooper Elliott from being struck by other vehicles and responded to render aid. He spoke to Trooper Elliott, reassuring him that assistance was on the way. He then ran to Trooper Elliott's cruiser to radio for help, but found the radio inoperable. Mr. Baker then realized that Trooper Elliott's portable radio was operable and called to the barracks for assistance.
Ms. Beverly Corrente, of Exeter, Rhode Island, was also traveling on Route 95. When she stopped to stay with Trooper Elliott, Mr. Baker proceeded to collect Trooper Elliott's belongings from the roadway, including his cell phone, a cruiser key, a cuff key, some papers, and most significantly, his service weapon. Mr. Baker secured these items in his truck until Troopers arrived and took control of the scene, and he turned the items over to the State Police.
Had Mr. Baker not had the presence of mind to protect Trooper Elliott with his truck and to radio the barracks for help, the end result could have been fatal. In addition, by retrieving Trooper Elliott's belongings, most importantly his service weapon, Mr. Baker protected Trooper Elliott and the public from someone with malicious intentions, who could have come into possession of the loaded weapon.
As a result of Mr. Baker's swift actions, Trooper Elliott is alive and recovering from his injuries, which include a broken back in nine places, a bruised lung and a laceration to his head. Mr. Baker is being commended for his honesty, benevolence, and swift action. Had it not been for him, the outcome of this incident could have been completely different. His unselfish devotion and dedication is deserving of the highest award the Rhode Island State Police can bestow on a civilian: the Colonel Everitte St. John Chaffee Award.
Ms. Beverly Corrente was also on the scene of Trooper Elliott's accident. While Mr. Baker was collecting Trooper Elliott's belongings, Ms. Corrente stayed with Trooper Elliott to ensure that he remained awake and focused until rescue personnel arrived. We are grateful to Ms. Corrente for her unselfish act of kindness, which undoubtedly contributed to Trooper Elliott's recovery. Ms. Corrente is receiving a Certificate of Appreciation.