3^rd Annual Award Ceremony

Glen Manor House

May 18, 2016

On May 18, 2016 the Portsmouth Police Department held its 3rd Annual Awards Ceremony at the Glen Manor House. Awards were presented to our officers for their acts and accomplishments during the past year. The awards were presented by Chief Thomas Lee and Town Council President Keith Hamilton. A public swearing in ceremony for our new officers (Officer Bruce Celico, Officer Allison O’Connor, Officer Richard Doyle, Officer Michael Quinn, Officer Jonathan Byrne, and Officer Kimberly DaSilva) also was held at this event.

MEDAL OF VALOR: Probationary Patrol Officer Kyle R. Hurley
On September 8, 2015, Officer Hurley made the arrest of a domestic murder suspect after responding to an apartment for a noise complaint. Upon arriving at the call, Officer Hurley discovered that a homicide had occurred and the suspect was still on scene with the weapon used in the crime within his reach. Officer Hurley, who had just completed his field training one month prior to this incident, was able to keep his composure and utilize his training to apprehend the offender of this brutal crime.

LIFESAVING AWARD: Sergeant Stephen C. Burns
On April 19, 2015 Sergeant Burns performed CPR and utilized an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to save the life of a 63 year old Newport man who had stopped breathing.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD: Patrol Officer Patrick J. O’Neill
On June 29, 2015, Officer O’Neill responded to the Sakonnet River Bridge for the report of a suicidal male attempting to hang himself. Officer O’Neill was able to quickly grab the man off the railing and pull him to safety.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD: Patrol Officer James C. Francis

Officer Francis has patrolled the roadways on the overnight shift being especially vigilant for motorists who are operating while impaired. During the past year, Officer Francis made thirty-two (32) driving under the influence arrests.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Patrol Officer Maddie L. Pirri
During the past year, Officer Pirri has eagerly worked with citizens groups, youth groups, Special Olympics, and has participated in several community events to strengthen the bond between the police and community.

CHIEF’S AWARD: Patrol Officer Scott E. Sullivan
Officer Sullivan has worked this past year to expand upon his community service efforts as the department’s first school resource officer. Officer Sullivan has worked with our Portsmouth youth during school hours and at after school events and functions. This past season, Officer Sullivan organized a 24 hour walk-a-thon to bring attention to the Portsmouth Police Toy drive and through his efforts, the department was able to assist 469 people and raise close to $36,000. He was honored this year by the RI Attorney General and received a Justice Award for his work in community service.
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING AWARD: Lieutenant George L. Grassi
During this years’ firearms competition Lieutenant George Grassi obtained the highest score during the event.