Col. Ann C. Assumpico Sworn In Today: First Woman to Lead State Police

PROVIDENCE, RI — Col. Ann C. Assumpico today was officially sworn in by Governor Gina M. Raimondo as the 13th Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. The formal ceremony was attended by hundreds of law enforcement officers, state and local officials and other well-wishers from throughout New England.

She has been serving as Superintendent of State Police and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety since Nov. 3 when she replaced Col. Steven O’Donnell. He retired from the post last fall.

“Col. Assumpico has come up through the ranks; she has done late patrol, and she has emptied out many cans of Brasso keeping a gleam on her buckle,” Raimondo said. “Col. Assumpico loves the Rhode Island State Police, and she is uniquely qualified to carry on the agency’s proud tradition, and to lead it into the future.”

According to the press release, Assumpico is a life-long Rhode Island resident and the first woman chosen to lead the Rhode Island State Police or any other law enforcement agency in Rhode Island.

“I appreciate the opportunity that Governor Raimondo has given me to continue my service and loyalty to the state of Rhode Island and its hard-working citizens,” she said. “This particular nomination sends a powerful message; a message that can be heard by the newest recruit to our most seasoned trooper: that with dedication and determination anyone can aspire to leads this agency regardless of who you are or where you come from or what you look like.”

"U.S.Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen James Langevin and David Cicilline were among the many federal, state and local officials who attended today’s swearing-in ceremony at the Rhode Island Convention Center," the state police said. "There also were scores of law enforcement officers from throughout New England, including top representatives from the Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont state police, as well as Col. Assumpico’s family members, friends and supporters.

"The ceremony, which was steeped in tradition and pageantry, featured the Rhode Island State Police honor guard, as well as an all-women honor guard comprised of female law enforcement officers from throughout New England. The Rhode Island Highlanders, a pipe band in which Col. Assumpico is a member, also performed.

"Several people also spoke on her behalf, including retired Rhode Island State Police Col. Edmond S. Culhane, Jr., who was Superintendent when Colonel Assumpico became a trooper in 1992. He noted that she had worked at the Adult Correctional Institutions for eight years and the Coventry Police Department for seven years before joining the Rhode Island State Police.

“Her bio reads like a recruiting pamphlet for Special Forces, Navy Seals and corporate management,” he said. “If it says anything, it says, ‘Ready, willing, able, and prepared.’ ”

"Col. Culhane noted that the Rhode Island State Police is “in good hands” with Col. Assumpico at the helm, saying she’s well-prepared for the challenges ahead. He also reminded her: “It is your mandate and your responsibility to see that the Rhode Island State Police never, ever lets the citizens of the great State of Rhode Island down.”

Courtesy Photo