To the Editor:

Upon accepting the position of Police Chief in the town of North Providence, I pledged to become part of the fabric of the town, take an active role in our community and endeavored to connect with residents.  Shortly after being sworn in, I was introduced to Carlene McCann and the dedicated staff at St. Mary’s Home for Children by Marisa Albanese and Mayor Scott Avedisian, both board members and long-time acquaintances of mine. 

From their peaceful campus located in the Fruit Hill neighborhood, St. Mary’s provides a variety of services for youth and their families – from high-end residential treatment for the most traumatized youth to a special education school, office based therapy and outpatient follow-up. Their goal is to provide a stable environment for children and ultimately reunite those children with their families. 

St. Mary’s has been doing this work, right here in North Providence, since 1877. I have visited the agency several times now and am so impressed with their superb work that I decided to make St. Mary’s my charity of choice this holiday season. I look forward to working with them in the years ahead with the hope that I too, can make a positive impact in a child’s life. 

As we celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, please take a moment to remember St. Mary’s and the children whose lives are on a healthier path because of their wonderful work.

Happy Holidays.

David P. Tikoian

North Providence Police Chief