res25189

R 189

2025 -- S 0933
Enacted 04/01/2025

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE RHODE ISLAND STATE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Introduced By: Senators Tikoian, Ruggerio, Lawson, Patalano, LaMountain, Appollonio, de la Cruz, Rogers, Gallo, and Felag

Date Introduced: April 01, 2025

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island General Assembly authored and passed chapter 588 of the

Acts and Resolves on April 2, 1925; and

WHEREAS, The statutory words gave birth to the Rhode Island State Police; and

WHEREAS, This historic legislation’s intent was to create a highly disciplined, mobile

police organization to deal with new and rapidly expanding enforcement problems, especially

those compounded by the automobile; and

WHEREAS, The founding statute was unique in several ways, including the precise

manner in which authority and accountability were placed in the office of the Superintendent; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly clearly decided to focus responsibility for the

success of the future of the new concept in that one office by mandating then and now that the

Superintendent report directly to the Office of the Governor; and

WHEREAS, The statute authorized the Superintendent to appoint other members of the

department with enlistments of three years and set out other responsibilities of the Superintendent

and members; and

WHEREAS, The statute provided for the Superintendent to establish headquarters and

substations as deemed most suitable for protection of rural and suburban areas of the state; and

WHEREAS, It authorized the Superintendent to acquire the necessary motor vehicles,

equipment and supplies; and

WHEREAS, The new law provided protection for State Police officers in the event of

death or injury suffered in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, The law became effective immediately upon passage, and on April 9, 1925

Governor Aram J. Pothier nominated Everitte St. John Chaffee as Superintendent, and the Rhode

Island State Senate confirmed the appointment; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Chaffee’s military training played a key role in his appointment,

and the first enlistees all had prior military experience, which provided a strong organizational

structure and discipline in the development of the new and elite police agency; and

WHEREAS, The first headquarters was established at the Benefit Street Arsenal and

opened on April 14, 1925; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Chaffee made a special effort to use equipment manufactured in

Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, A highly competitive enlistment process was necessary to ensure the new

recruits would bear substantial responsibility for carrying out a new concept of law enforcement

in Rhode Island, which was severely and frequently tested during the department’s formative

years; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 600 applicants applied for the initial twenty-three positions,

and training the first troopers began on May 11, 1925; and

WHEREAS, Some recruits left good jobs and others had opportunities for greater

compensation and shorter hours. When asked why recruits chose the Rhode Island State Police,

the result has always been characterized by a sense of pride in the organization; and

WHEREAS, For 100 years the Rhode Island State Police has maintained its high

standards and tradition of excellence in law enforcement that was established by Colonel Everitte

St. John Chaffee; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island State Police has been a leader in law enforcement and has

provided training and resources to numerous other law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island, the

United States and abroad; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island State Police has an illustrious 100-year history, which is

also closely tied to the history of the State of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island State Police is commemorating its historic centennial

celebration in the year 2025 with several events open to the public; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby joyously celebrates the

100th Anniversary of the creation of the Rhode Island State Police Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That April of 2025 will henceforth be known as State Police Month in

Rhode Island with April 2, 2025, being designated as State Police Day in Rhode Island; and be it

further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Superintendent of the Rhode Island State

Police Department, Colonel Darnell S. Weaver.

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LC000426

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