Manni Sworn In As New State Police Colonel

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island State Police has a new colonel. James M. Manni was sworn in by Governor Gina Raimondo at a ceremony Friday afternoon.

Manni is the state police's 14th superintendent. He is a 25-year veteran of the RISP, and has worked as Director of Operations, Safety and Security for the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, as well as Town Manager in Narragansett since 2015. At the time of his retirement from the force, Manni had earned the rank of Major, the fifth-highest-ranking member of the RISP command staff.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be chosen as your Superintendent,” Col. Manni said. “My goal is to serve with courage, commitment, integrity and respect, always striving to attain the exceptional levels of public service provided by each of the 13 men and women who have served in this role before me.”

Gov. Raimondo named Manni as the successor to Colonel Ann Assumpico in December 2018. Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Barry has served as acting superintendent since Assumpico's retirement on January 19.

“Colonel Manni has dedicated his career to public safety and service, and I’m confident that he will lead the State Police with integrity,” Gov. Raimondo said. “I congratulate Colonel Manni and his family on this well-deserved honor and I look forward to working together in the years ahead.”

Five previous RISP superintendents attended Friday's ceremony, including Ann Assumpico, Steven O'Donnell, Steven Pare and Edmond Culhane Jr. The steps behind the podium were filled with uniformed troopers, members of the state police academy and local police officers. Members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation, local and state officials and top command staff from Connecticut and Massachusetts' State Police were also in attendance.

Manni was joined by his wife, Tracey, and daughter, Olivia, as well as members of his friends and family. The event was live streamed on Facebook so his son, James C. Manni, could watch it as well. Manni's son is a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and a graduate of West Point. He is scheduled to be deployed to Korea.

"I am deeply committed to ensuring that every trooper, every barracks and every unit within this agency is properly trained, equipped and prepared to provide an unparalleled level of public service and protection to the citizens of Rhode Island, and I vow to uphold the honor, traditions and values that continue to make the Rhode Island State Police one of the finest and most respected law enforcement agencies in the United States," Col. Manni said.