2024 -- H 7002

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CHIEF JOSEPH P.

RAZZA, JOHNSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, RETIRED

     Introduced By: Representatives Fellela, Cardillo, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Perez, Noret,
Hull, Costantino, Rea, and Serpa

     Date Introduced: January 02, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of former

Johnston Police Chief Joseph Razza. He was the devoted husband of Mandi Razza for twenty

years; and

     WHEREAS, Chief Razza was born in Providence, the son of Joan Razza and the late

Pasco Razza. He was a lifetime Johnston resident and a star athlete in football and basketball. He

was an All-State football player and an inductee into the Johnston High School Athletic Hall of

Fame. Chief Razza attended Roger Williams University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science

degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement; and

     WHEREAS, Chief Razza began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1996 when

he joined the Jamestown Police Department. However, the tug of returning home to Johnston was

strong, and in 1998 he joined the Johnston Police Department. Thanks to his strong leadership

skills, tireless work ethic, and his stellar policing skills, Chief Razza steadily rose through the

ranks, culminating with being chosen to be the next Johnston Police Chief in 2020; and

     WHEREAS, Chief Razza was honored numerous times throughout his exemplary thirty-

year career with the Johnston Police Department. He received six letters of commendation for

excellence in policing, three department ribbons for heroism and a meritorious achievement

honor for his work in seizing stolen firearms and narcotics. He was also recently named the

Rhode Island Emergency Management Director of the Year, in of recognition his achievement in

opening the biggest and most productive COVID-19 vaccination center in Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Chief Razza was a widely admired law enforcement official thanks to his

abiding integrity, and his superb communication skills. He was a valued mentor to many, and

cared deeply about the personal safety and quality of life of all Johnston residents. Chief Razza

was also the lead instructor in the Rhode Island Municipal Code at the Rhode Island Municipal

Police Training Academy. He was accepted to the 285th FBI National Academy in 2021, and was

a devoted participant in the Police Chiefs Association of Rhode Island and IBPO Local 307; and

     WHEREAS, In his free time, Chief Razza loved to run, take care of his yard, ride in his

Corvette and entertain guests in his home. Most important in his life at all times was his beloved

family; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife Mandi and mother Joan, Chief Razza leaves behind

his sister Karen Rainone and her husband, Carl, his extended family and many friends; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby expresses its deepest

condolences to the Razza Family on the passing of Chief Joseph P. Razza; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mandi Razza and Joan Razza.

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