JPD welcomes two new officers

COOK’S CORNER: Merrick Cook III, one of two new probationary officers with the Johnston Police Department who were sworn in Monday morning, is joined by his wife Christine, who performed the pinning of her husband’s new badge.

Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine

SUPER SUPPORT: Patrolman Christopher Rotella (third from left) is joined by his daughter Tori, son Christopher Jr., daughter Giada, wife Franca, dad Joseph and stepmom Linda after taking the oath of office and becoming a member of the Johnston Police Department Monday.

Johnston Sun Rise · Thursday, April 13, 2017 3:30 pm

By Pete Fontaine

Within the span of 30 minutes, the Johnston Police Department gained a wealth of knowledge and experience Monday morning when Mayor Joseph Polisena swore in two new probationary officers.

“This is a lateral move that will prove very beneficial to our police department,” Polisena told a large audience that filled most of the Johnston Municipal Courthouse. “We welcome these two fine police officers with open arms. They will be a great addition to our great police department.”

Veteran JPD Chief Richard S. Tamburini then presented Merrick Cook III and Christopher Rotella, who each bring 20 years of experience from the Providence Police Department, to Polisena for the official Oath of Officers.

“Please repeat after me,” Polisena began. “I [officer’s name], do solemnly swear that I will be true and faithful unto this town, and support the laws and ordinances thereof, as well as the laws and the constitution of the State of Rhode Island and of the United States of America; and that I will well and truly execute the position of Probationary Officer, for the term for which I have been elected, or until another be engaged in my place, or until I be legally discharged therefrom, so help me God.”

The traditional handshake from Polisena and Tamburini followed with the mayor again saying, “We welcome you with open arms to our great police department.”

He also told both new probationary officers, who came highly recommended to the JPD, “Our guys work hard and I know you have a great chief in Providence, but I have the greatest chief in Rhode Island [Tauburini] who has over 50 years of law enforcement experience.”

Rotella is the brother of Joseph Rotella, a veteran member of the Johnston School Committee.

Many family members of the new probationary officers then offered their congratulations, as did ranking members of the JPD command including Deputy Chief Daniel O. Parrillo, Det. Major Thomas H. Dolan, Major Joseph P. Razza, Capt. Mark Vieira and Capt. Richard C. Norato.