Allegra Graziano has enjoyed many special successes during her young life.
At age 20, she’s a graduate of Johnston High School and Johnson & Wales University in Providence. She even found time during a hectic schedule – that included an internship in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office – to compete for a beauty queen title. Now, she’s the reigning Miss Johnston.
Tuesday night, Graziano reached the pinnacle of the state’s junior law enforcement organization when she was promoted to chief of the Johnston Police Department’s award-winning Explorer Post 405.
As noted by Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini – who was appropriately assisted by Deputy Chief Daniel O. Parrillo and Capt. Thomas H. Dolan – Graziano’s promotion is a highlight of Post 405’s 2015-16 year.
Graziano’s promotion – which featured the traditional pinning on of her badge and chevrons by her mother and father, Lynne and Robert Graziano – saw 14 other Explorers receive certificate of completion for their respective efforts during the recently completed 12-month season.
“Congratulations, Chief Graziano,” Tamurini said. “I know you’ll do a great job in leading this outstanding group of young men and women.”
Parrillo and Dolan echoed those sentiments in regard to all 15 Post 405 Explorers, who range in age from 14 to 20 and have expressed an interest in pursuing law enforcement as a career.
“As chief, I appreciate what you Explorers do in our town,” Tamburini told an attentive audience prior to Graziano’s promotion. “Law enforcement is not an easy profession. It’s dangerous in today’s world. Lots of people don’t like us, but when they get in trouble, who do they call? The police.
He added: “I appreciate all you do for the citizens of Johnston, and I applaud your parents for the love and encouragement they give you to move forward and to pursue your dreams.”
For Dolan, who coordinates Explorer Post 405 and its many different programs, it has been quite a year of sterling successes.
Just a few months ago, the highly respected captain and one-time U.S. Army officer was inducted into the prestigious Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame, which was founded by current Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin.
But Dolan refused to be thrust into the spotlight Tuesday evening and continuously heaped words of praise upon the 15 young men and women who were part of the ceremony inside the Johnston Senior Center, and several others who could not attend because of school commitments.
“It has been a great year for the Explorers,” Dolan said. “Aaron Blanco received two of the top three awards at the annual training academy, and as a post our kids were number one and two when it came to competing in different law enforcement scenarios.”
Dolan noted the efforts of Explorers in the community throughout the year, from shoveling snow for those in need to performing traffic control, helping out at road races, and assisting the elderly.
“There’s nothing that this great group of Explorers can’t or won’t do,” he said.
“Mayor [Joseph] Polisena and I are behind this program one hundred percent,” Tamburini said. “We encourage your participation, and want you to grow to perhaps someday become a valuable member of the Johnston Police Department.”
Two Explorers – Graziano and Abby Heiser – played special roles in Tuesday night’s ceremony, with the new chief leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Heiser performing the national anthem.
The Explorers who took part in Tuesday night’s ceremony are Allegra Graziano, Heather Best, Aaron Blanco, Sofia Rengigas, Mason Lariviere, Madison Paolucci, Abby Heiser, Josh Savard, Ryan Savard, Oscar Marin, Diana Jordan, Zack Morin, Bailey Morin, Jack Prenier, and Edin Paz.
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