Below please find a statement by Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin on the retirement of Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police:
"The citizens of Rhode Island owe Colonel Steven O'Donnell a great debt of gratitude for his more than 30 years of service in law enforcement.
"As Attorney General, I have had the pleasure and honor of working alongside Colonel O'Donnell for many years, and consider him a confidante, a colleague, and a friend. I know firsthand his passion for the law, his respect for his fellow officers, and his commitment to excellence. I, along with the prosecutors in this office, many of whom have worked for decades with Colonel O'Donnell, will miss his tenacity and perseverance on cases.
"Colonel O'Donnell has rightfully earned his reputation as a hard-nosed cop, a fearless officer, and a great leader, and he has earned the respect of the fine men and women of the Rhode Island State Police, as well as the respect of the entire law enforcement community.
"He has dedicated his entire professional life to protecting the lives of Rhode Islanders. His outreach to every community of this state is unparalleled. His departure is a true loss for law enforcement in Rhode Island.
"Although his presence at the helm will be greatly missed, the people of this state should be proud of his leadership in continuing the long tradition of the Rhode Island State Police as being recognized as one of finest and most respected law enforcement agencies in this country.
"Needless to say, Governor Raimondo will have a challenge in replacing him with someone of equal integrity.
"I wish Colonel O'Donnell all the best in his retirement and personally thank him, his wife Holly and their children, for his service."