Remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve

Posted 5/25/16

The Cranston Police Department honored fallen law enforcement officers on May 18 at its 24th annual Police Memorial Ceremony. Fifteen officers received the Chief Anthony Moretti Life Saving Medal for their

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Remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve

AWARD PRESENTED: Officer Brenton Medeiros earned the prestigious Officer of the Month award for May 2016 from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Pictured with Medeiros is Brian Lacey, assistant director of programs for the memorial fund.

PRESENTATION OF COLORS: The Cranston Police Honor Guard presents the colors during the ceremony. Pictured are Capt. Gerard Carnevale, Capt. Russell Henry, Sgt. Michael Patnaud, Officer Louis Pezzullo, Lt. Justin Dutra, and Officer Matt Davis. Looking on is bagpiper, Rhode Island State Police Trooper Mike Capone.

TAPS: Playing taps during the ceremony was Western Hills Middle School seventh-grader Dominic Caffenberger.

Posted Wednesday, May 25, 2016 11:17 am

The Cranston Police Department honored fallen law enforcement officers on May 18 at its 24th annual Police Memorial Ceremony.

Fifteen officers received the Chief Anthony Moretti Life Saving Medal for their heroic efforts in saving the lives of members of the community during five separate incidents. Officer Brenton Medeiros was recognized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for rescuing a person whose life was in immediate danger. Brian Lacey of the Memorial Fund traveled from Washington, D.C., to present Medeiros with his award.

The Cranston ceremony was just one of many commemorative events that took place around the country as part of National Law Enforcement Memorial Week. Chief of Police Col. Michael J. Winquist delivered the keynote address, while Mayor Allan Fung and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin also provided remarks.

Detectives Salvatore DeCesare and Eugene Hackett were remembered, and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Cranston Police Relief Association, Cranston Police Retirees Association, and Fraternal Order of Police laid wreaths on the memorial.

“It is important that each and every year, we pay tribute those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those officers currently serving, who support and protect our communities, state, and nation,” Winquist said. “This ceremony serves a solemn reminder of the many dangers police officers face in the performance of their duties, while celebrating the lives of those who served, and continue to serve with bravery and heroism.”

(Text by Meri R. Kennedy/Photos by Steve Popiel)