Johnstonians take part in Division of Sheriffs Training Academy graduation

Paul A. Suttell, chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, called it an “important ceremony that will further help protect our people and keep our courtrooms safe.”

Col. Steven O’Donnell, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police who doubles as commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, added: “This is a most important ceremony for all law enforcement in the state.”

The occasion was the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs Training Academy graduation ceremony, held Tuesday inside the Community College of Rhode Island’s Bobby Hackett Theater in Warwick.

From the time Maj. Paul M. Martellini of the Division of Sheriffs gave the opening remarks and Breana Damiani performed the national anthem, the graduation ceremony was as impressive as the 18 men and women who completed a rigorous five-week training course leading up to the event.

“This certainly was a great night for the law enforcement family in Rhode Island,” Daniel Parrillo, deputy chief of the Johnston Police Department, said after watching some of his former fellow officers participate in the ceremony. “This was impressive from start to finish.”

In the middle of it all were three Johnstonians – Gian N. Bianchi, Robert J. Lemieux, and Ryan A. Anderson – who were among the 18 graduates.

During the special recognition portion of the ceremony, Bianchi was presented with the Firearms Award, one of five individual honors Sheriffs Capt. Jason D. Allaire proudly presented to those O’Donnell later called “the newest members of our law enforcement family in Rhode Island.”

Lemieux took home the Leadership Award, while the Physical Fitness Award went to Dawn A. Perry. Alexandre A. Santos captured Peer Recognition honors, and the class of 2016 Valedictorian Award went to deputy sheriff recruit Robert S. DelGallo.

The members of the class of 2016, who received their graduation certificates from O’Donnell, Martellini, and Chief Sheriff David M. DeCesare, also include Darrin J.K. Anderson, Grace E. Bucci, Onorato Diamante III, Kyle A. DiPirro, Luis J. Gonzalez, Hailey C. Hawkins, Adam C. Korson, Joshua K. Lemois, Reese B. Middler, Kevin T. Pendergast, Aliko N. Wali, and George M. Waterman.

“I was going to congratulate you when I first met you at the opening of the Training Academy,” DeCesare said during his closing remarks. “But I didn’t because you hadn’t accomplished anything yet. Now, I can congratulate everyone – our new sheriffs – and please always remember your career and what you will make it is totally in your hands.”

DeCesare, who has been in law enforcement for nearly three decades and was the former deputy chief in Johnston before assuming his new role as chief sheriff. Martellini was the former North Providence chief before joining DeCesare – his long-time friend – as major in the sheriff’s division.

“I also know the Bianchi and Anderson families,” DeCesare said. “I am happy to have Gian and Ryan join the ranks of the Division of Sheriffs. Gian and Ryan were standout athletes at Johnston High School and are fine representatives of the town of Johnston. I am certain they will have successful careers in public service with the Division of Sheriffs.”

DeCesare, who is also a member of the Johnston High school Athletic Hall of Fame, added: “I worked with Robert Lemieux for close to 20 years when I was a Johnston police officer and I know what he brings to the table. He is a dedicated professional who has just the right mindset and temperament to continue on in this profession. He will be a valued asset to the division and I look forward to working with him again.”