For the third time in as many years, the Johnston Police Department this week took center stage during the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame induction ceremony held inside the Grand Ballroom of Warwick’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Almost two years to the day after Johnston Chief Richard S. Tamburini was inducted into the prestigious group, Capt. Thomas H. Dolan on Tuesday joined five other 2016 inductees who have distinguished their craft. Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin called the members of this year’s class “outstanding professionals who have worked to improve and uphold the principles of the Rhode Island criminal justice system.”
The ceremony brought back memories for Dolan, who has received many medals and awards during his military and police careers and also serves as coordinator of the Johnston department’s award-winning Explorer Post 405.
Three of the inductees – former State Police Col. Brendan Doherty, crime lab director Dennis Hilliard, and retired Superior Court Judge Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. – were, at one time, Dolan’s professors when he took various courses connected with criminal justice.
Two other notable Rhode Islanders – the Honorable Alice B. Gibney, presiding justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court, and Randall White, a retired assistant attorney general – were also inducted into the Hall of Fame Tuesday night.
“The Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame awards night was a very proud moment for the Johnston Police Department and a deserving tribute to Capt. Tom Dolan, a law enforcement professional, one of Johnston’s finest, and a real-life hero,” Tamburini said.
“I am humbled and honored to be here tonight with such a distinguished group of professionals,” Dolan said after his induction, which was performed by Johnston Detective James Brady. “I have been in law enforcement for more than 35 years, and I knew that this was what I was called to do.”
Brady, who headed a host of Johnston officers who attended Tuesday night’s ceremony, told the audience: “This honor is well deserved. Capt. Tom Dolan is a great guy and a great leader who is respected by all. He has served his town with great honor. He has served his state with great honor, and he ahs certainly served his country with great honor.”
Brady, who also serves as president of IBPO Local 307, added: “I am honored to call Tom Dolan a friend and honored to help induct him into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame.”
Dolan reflected further on his career, and on the night’s honor.
“For me, while this path was always in my mind, I had other opportunities that were just as honorable,” he said. “I served my country for 38 years and endured multiple deployments. I also engaged in as many educational opportunities as I could, all the while knowing that each of these experiences would help me to be better at my job.”
The captain then paused, before recalling what he called a “traumatic” episode.
He said an “accumulation of police and military experience, hours and hours of training and going to numerous schools … all came together in one brief and profound moment that made the different for me in surviving a shooting that could have taken my life. Suffice to say what while my shooting was a traumatic time in my life, for me my career in law enforcement was not over yet.”
Dolan thanked Brady for his Hall of Fame nomination and Anthony Capezza, director of the IBPO.
He added: “I want to thank my wife Christine and my daughter Kate – and my son-in-law Jean-Marc – for their continuous support over the many years. They too have walked this career path with me and celebrated many a family event and special milestone without me. And finally, I thank my law enforcement and military friends who are here tonight for their friendship and camaraderie all these many years.” 1
HALL OF FAMERS:
Johnston Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini, left, offers congratulations to Capt. Thomas H. Dolan upon his induction into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame. (Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine) 2
FAMILY SUPPORT:
Capt. Thomas H. Dolan is joined by his wife Christine, daughter Kate, and son-in-law Jean-Marc at the induction ceremony. 3
CONGRATULATIONS:
Capt. Thomas H. Dolan receives best wishes and congratulations from Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin, who founded the Law Enforcement Hall of Fame four years ago. 4
JOHNSTON PRIDE:
Detective James Brady, left, who also serves president of IBPO Local 307, is all smiles while joining Capt. Thomas H. Dolan.
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