Contact: Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent, Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner, Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, Telephone: (401) 444-1001
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, announced the promotion of eight (8) sworn members of the Rhode Island State Police into new ranking positions. These promotions take effect on Sunday, July 29, 2012. The following members are the promotees:
To the Rank of Lieutenant:
Lieutenant Mark A. Farnum: Lieutenant Farnum, a graduate of the New England Institute of Technology, is a 22-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. He has served at all barracks locations, and at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. He also served as a Prosecution Officer.
Lieutenant Kevin M. Barry: Lieutenant Barry is an 18-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. He is a graduate of Worcester State College and the FBI National Academy. Lieutenant Barry served at all barracks locations and at the Training Academy. He has served in the Detective Bureau for ten years.
To the Rank of Sergeant:
Sergeant Scott N. Raynes: Sergeant Raynes, a graduate of Framingham State College, is an 18-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. He has served at the Hope Valley, Lincoln Woods, Wickford, and Portsmouth Barracks, and T.F. Green Airport. He also served as a Prosecution Officer. He is currently assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.
Sergeant Roger J. Reardon: Sergeant Reardon, a graduate of Community College of Rhode Island, is a 22-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. He has served at all barracks locations and was Supervisor of the Hope Valley Barracks. He also served as a Canine Training Officer.
Sergeant John F. Keenan: Sergeant Keenan is a 20-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. He is a graduate of Stonehill College. He has served at all barracks locations. He has also served as a Prosecution Officer and as a Supervisor at the Hope Valley Barracks.
To the Rank of Corporal:
Corporal Staci K. Shepherd: Corporal Shepherd is an 18-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts and from Roger Williams University. She also earned a Master of Science degree in the Administration of Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. She has served at the Portsmouth, Lincoln Woods, and Hope Valley Barracks and has been assigned to the Detective Bureau since 1998.
Corporal John P. Charbonneau: Corporal Charbonneau, a graduate of Providence College, is an 18-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. Corporal Charbonneau has served at all Barracks locations and has been assigned to the Detective Bureau since 2005.
Corporal Ernest P. McKenney: Corporal McKenney, a graduate of Community College of Rhode Island, is an 18-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. He has served at the Hope Valley, Lincoln Woods, and Wickford Barracks, as well as at T.F. Green Airport. He also served as a member of the Commercial Enforcement Unit.
Colonel O'Donnell stated, "The promoting of a Trooper is a very difficult task given the robust amount of quality people within this organization. I commend and congratulate our new leaders who will be taking on new leadership roles within the Division."
Governor Chafee stated, "These talented and committed members of the Rhode Island State Police are clear examples of why their organization has earned a national reputation for excellence. Even among the highly competitive ranks of the State Police, these Troopers stand out. They deserve the thanks and congratulations of the people of our state."