Johnston's Finest Recognized For Service

In recognition of Law Enforcement Week, the hosted its ninth annual Excellence Ceremony on May 21 at the , with many friends and family attending.

The morning began with a memorial service conducted by Msgr. Carlo Montecalvo, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church and the department's chaplain, who started the ceremony with an opening prayer and later read a selection from the Gospel. Patrlomen James Seymore and Dennis Peacock lent their voices to the readings during the service.

Following the service, Chief Richard S. Tamburini recognized the efforts of the men and women of the local force in keeping the town's residents safe.

Tamburini also took a moment to remember deceased Johnston police Lieutenant John J. Sinotte, who lost his life in an off-duty car accident on April 14, 2001.

Mayor Joseph M. Polisena also praised the men and women of the Johnston police force by explaining how they not only protect the residents of Johnston, but also the citizens who travel in and out of Johnston every day.

Prior to the award ceremony, Deputy Police Chief David DeCesare's daughters, Sydney and Jayme, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Deputy Chief DeCesare and Major Michael Colucci read the names of officers who received commendations, while Polisena and Tamburini presented the awards.

Commendation awards were presented to:

• Captain Raymond Skomin
• Sergeants Michael Babbitt, Seth Crosby, and Brian Leclair
• Detectives John Anderson (Retired), Thomas Dwyer, Robert Lemieux, Brian Loffredi, and Steven Lopez
• Patrol Officers Marc Bairos, Michael Edward, Dana Gousie, Joseph McGinn, Derek Parascandolo, Charles Psilopoulos and Joseph Scichilone.

Receiving Department Ribbons were:

• Major John Perrotta
• Sergeants Michael Babbitt, Seth Crosby and Brian Leclair
• Detective Raymond Peters
• Patrol Officers Jared and John DeAngelis.

Lieutenant Frank Levesque received a Letter of Recognition, along with:

• Sergeant Seth Crosby
• Detectives Thomas Dwyer and Paul Manzi (Retired)
• Patrol Officers Michael Andreozzi, Adam Catamero, Joseph McGinn, Michael Protano and Joseph Salvadore.

Earning the Firearms Proficiency Pistol Master 100 Percent Scoring Award were:

• Deputy Chief DeCesare
• Major John Angell (Retired)
• Sergeants Matthew Benson and Seth Crosby
• Detectives Ronald Bianchi, William Demers, Paul Manzi and Raymond Peters
• Patrol Officers Jeffrey Cicchitelli, Joseph McGinn, Dennis Peacock, Derek Palazzo and David Slinko.

Lt. Thomas Dolan and Patrolwoman Brooke Ardito received military service commendations.

The department also awarded "Making A Difference" civilian awards to Jon M. Burgess, Robert DeMatteo, Richard Lorman, and Mayor Polisena, who noted that the brave men and women of the Johnston police force "go to work in the morning not knowing if they will return home."