Smithfield Police Seek Memorials, Sponsorships for the Building Lobby, Other Spots

SMITHFIELD, RI -- No, you can't name a jail cell after someone as a joke, but the lobby at the Smithfield Police Department could someday be sponsored by a business, named after a family or in memory of an individual, according to a letter from Chief Richard P. St. Sauveur, Jr.

The chief, who's also chairman of the newly renovated headquarters' building committee, is letting the public know they have until Jan. 20, 2017 to apply for memorial dedications in six rooms and the outside entrance way.

And although a sizable donation is required, it isn't all about the money. Applicants must provide a good reason why the area should in the future be associated with the individual or the company. The decision will take the reason into consideration along with the size of the donation, he indicated.

According to St. Sauveur's letter, the priciest choice is the Community Meeting and Training Room, which requires a $20,000 minimum donation. But the name will not only be displayed in the room; it will also be mentioned in all related future communications, including social media posts and invitations.

"For example," he wrote, "'Tonight’s discussion will take place in the John Smith Memorial Community Meeting & Training Room at Smithfield Police Headquarters.'” Also, a photograph or a biography might be displayed on the wall.

In addition to the lobby, the other locations are the Front Outside Entrance, the Victim/ Witness Privacy Room, the Dispatch Center, the Emergency Management Operations Center and the Wellness & Training Room.

All the other rooms require a $5,000 minimum donation, except the lobby, which starts at $10,000.

Once selected, the memorials are good for the life of the building, he said, unless some "circumstance" indicates a name change would be in the Town's best interest, he said.