JPD promotes three officers
The now nationally-accredited Johnston Police Department just increased its strength three-fold.
Amid a ceremony filled with military-like pomp and circumstance that was mixed with some good-natured ribbing and love, the JPD celebrated the promotion of three men Chief Richard S. Tamburini called “three outstanding officers who insure that the future leadership of our organization is strong.”
With friends, family, distinguished guests and colleagues filling the Municipal Courthouse, Major Joseph Razza was promoted to Deputy Chief, Captain Matt LeDuc was promoted to Major and Lieutenant Chris Correia moved up to Captain.
“These men are three remarkable officers,” Tamburni said. “They represent the best of Rhode Island law enforcement.”
Tamburini then switched gears saying “speaking of remarkable officers, I’d like to acknowledge our Deputy Chief Dan Parrillo [who served as the ceremony’s emcee]; he leaves us to become personnel director for the City of Cranston and it was my honor to have Dan as my deputy chief of police.”
The Chief told the audience he is “personally and professionally impressed by these three extraordinary officers. There is no question in my mind that without their consistent leadership, the JPD would not be recognized as one of the best police departments in the state.”
Few things in law enforcement are celebrated with as much excitement as a promotion, and during last Saturday’s ceremony the three officers families learned just how important a promotion is.
“I want to say to all the family members here, you too played a crucial role supporting these men as they move forward in our department,” the Chief said. “It wasn’t easy. Family members often have to inspire us, often have to stand by us. Sometimes, they have to console us; ultimately, we only get there with the help our families.”
Mayor Joseph Polisena, before he administered the Oath of Office, told each officer, “I know as your mayor that you put your lives on the line on a daily basis and you continue to perform your duties in a professional manner regardless of what comes your way. And because of your dedication, commitment and love for our town, you continue to make Johnston the best community to live, work and play and for that I thank you.”
Polisena first administered the Oath of Office to Correia, the son of Bruce Correia and LaNelle Cotoia who grew up in Warwick and is a 1991 graduate of the former Veterans Memorial High School where he played football. He is also a graduate of Hofstra University and has worked all three shifts with the JPD since he joined the department in 1999.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 2007 and was a supervisor of all three watches. In 2011, he was promoted to Lieutenant and Watch 1 commander. Since 2013 he’s served as assistant detective command and has won numerous awards including the Chief’s Medal, Town Council award and Department ribbon awards.
Capt. Correia and his wife Sally are the proud parents of Sara and John.
Former Capt. Matt Leduc joined the JPD in 2001 as a Patrol Officer on the third watch. In 2008 he was promoted to sergeant and in January 2011 he rose to the rank of Lieutenant where he served a watch command. In 2013, he was elevated to rank of captain and in his 16 years with the department, he has received the Meritorious Conduct Medal, three JPD Ribbons as well as three Commendation Awards.
Most importantly, Leduc guided the JPD to both its State and National Accreditation honors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University, has been married to his wife Patricia for 25 years, and the couple has two children, Jaime and Shane.
Former Major Joseph Razza is the son of Joan Razza and the late Pasco T. Razza and is married to his wife Mandi. He is a life-long Johnstonian and received All-State football honors at Johnston High where he is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame.
He worked at the Jamestown Police Department before joining his hometown police department in 1998. He has been assigned to every shift during his 19-year career in Johnston and is a graduate of Roger Williams University and Salve Regina University.
The new Deputy Chief has also won numerous awards and his commitment to the town and community he proudly serves has been evident throughout his career. He can often be seen on-and-off duty and he’s an avid runner.
“I would like to thank Chief Tamburini and Mayor Polisena for having the confidence in me to serve as your new Deputy Chief of Police,” Razza said. “I consider it a true honor and great opportunity.”
He said “I’m truly humbled and promise that my loyalty, dedication and support to both of you and the Town of Johnston will never be compromised or called into question.”
Razza went on to thank his five predecessors, especially David DeCesare and Dan Parrillo for all the wisdom, knowledge and support you have between upon me through the years.
“You have both been there every step of the way for me – from badge 77 to 2 – and I thank you,” said Razza. “To the entire community of Johnston, and the men and women of the Johnston Police, I look forward to working hand-and-hand with you in addressing the Town’s needs and serving as your new Deputy Chief.”
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LINKED LEADERS: Johnston Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini (left) and Mayor Joseph Polisena are joined by newly promoted officers Deputy Chief Joseph Razza, Major Tom Leduc and Captain Chris Correia during Saturday morning’s swearing in ceremony held inside the Municipal Court House. Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine
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CLASSIC COPS: Chief Richard S. Tamburini is flanked by three former officers who served as deputy Chief and newly sworn in Joseph Razza at Saturday’s swearing in ceremony in Johnston. The group includes: Gary Maddocks, David DeCesare and Dan Parrillo.
