Johnston’s International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 307 held its annual cigar dinner fundraiser at Twin Oaks last Thursday evening and honored the memory of Cranston Police Detective William Palmer, who passed away in February at age 53.
“We lost Billy on Feb. 25 of this year,” Johnston Police Sgt. Joe Scichilone said. “I had the honor of working with Billy for 18 years in the Cranston PD, and I’d known him even longer than that.”
The fundraiser – which was organized by Scichilone, Detective Brian Loffredi and Patrolman Arthur Petteruti – raised money for through ticket sales for the dinner as well as a 50/50 raffle. The dinner itself consists of multiple courses of appetizers, entrees, dessert and some table wine.
According to Scichilone, the organizers sold approximately 75 tickets at $125 each to cover the night’s expenses and raised $500 for a donation to the New England chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, or C.O.P.S., in memory of Palmer.
“He was a great friend, a great family man, and one of the best BCI detectives in the state,” Scichilone said. “Billy will be sadly missed.”
Palmer’s wife, Mary Ann, was presented the check for the $500 donation and accepted it alongside their daugther, Jenna. Palmer’s sister, Karen, and brother, retired Cranston Detective Tommy Palmer, and his wife, Michelle, joined them. Palmer is also survived by his two sons, Billy and Joseph.
According to C.O.P.S., each year, between 140 and 160 officers are killed in the line of duty, and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss. C.O.P.S. provides resources to help these families following the loss of a loved one. In past years, donations have been made to programs like local youth sports programs and other charities.
This was the fourth year in a row that Local 307 held its annual dinner at Twin Oaks, and the department thanked executive chef Ryan Mancini, awarding him an appreciation plaque for his hard work and assistance organizing this event over the years.
The evening was sponsored by Difazio Site Corp, and cigars for the dinner were provided by Dad’s Place Cigars.
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