CPD hold annual memorial to honor lost officers

By Meri R. Kennedy
Posted 5/24/17

By MERI R. KENNEDY The Cranston Police Department honored fallen law enforcement officers on May 18 at the 25th Annual Police Memorial Ceremony at Cranston Police Headquarters. The Memorial was just one of many commemorative events that took place around

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

CPD hold annual memorial to honor lost officers

Posted

The Cranston Police Department honored fallen law enforcement officers on May 18 at the 25th Annual Police Memorial Ceremony at Cranston Police Headquarters.

The Memorial was just one of many commemorative events that took place around the country during National Law Enforcement Memorial Week May 2017. Communities across the country came together from May 15-21 to honor and remember those law enforcement officers from across the country who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Cranston Police Department Chief of Police Colonel Michael J. Winquist delivered the keynote address, along with remarks from Mayor Allan Fung.

“This ceremony marked the 25th year that we have come to together to recognize those Officers who served the residents of Cranston with such distinction and honor,” said Mayor Fung.

Every year, people gather together to remember the fallen officers who dedicated their lives to serving their city. The Mayor took a moment to remember the officers who passed away over the last year: Chief Anthony Moretti, Lt. Francis J. Caniglia, Lt. Joseph J. Cicione Jr., Det. Nicholas Ferranti Jr. and Det. Nicholas A. Gaultieri.

The program opened with a Call to Order by Major Todd Patalano (who also served as Master of Ceremonies), Invocation by Father Edward Nedder of St. George’s Church and the Presentation of Colors by the Cranston Police Honor Guard. Lilliana DeFusco, a seventh-grade student at St. Mary’s School, followed with the National Anthem and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

There was also a roll call of the deceased and a Laying of the Wreaths Ceremony by the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Cranston Police Relief Association, Cranston Police Retirees’ Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Playing “Taps” at this year’s ceremony was Domenic Kaffenberger, an eighth-grade student from Western Hills Middle School.

After “Taps,” the flag was lowered to half-staff by Police Officers Matt Davis and Vincent McAteer.

“As its National Law Enforcement Week, we celebrate and pay respect to the men and women of the Cranston Police Department who serve the community and put themselves at risk each and every day. I could not be prouder of our police department,” said Fung.

The presentation by the two bagpipers, Inspector Donald Salvatore and Officer Patrick McCoy, during the lowering of the flag was one of the more solemn sounds on the day.

“It is important that each and every year, we pay tribute to the officers have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their fellow citizens, including three Cranston Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty since the department’s inception in 1754,” said Col. Winquist. “While we remember our fallen and departed officers, this is also a somber day to reflect on the risks police officers face every day. Most people take for granted that our officers are always ready to respond to the call. The dangers are real and even more heightened today…Opioid epidemic and other scares that keeps us up at night,” said Chief Winquist.

Refreshments were served after the program in the multi-purpose room in the police station.

“As a community, we depend on our police department to protect our homes and patrol our streets. But every day, we see how much more our police officers bring to the table,” said Chief Winquist.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here