Letters

A new troika has arrived

Posted 4/1/15

To the Editor:

The Cranston Police Department now has three individuals who will make up the new organization for the department to further the “soothing out” of concerns and to implement the …

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Letters

A new troika has arrived

Posted

To the Editor:

The Cranston Police Department now has three individuals who will make up the new organization for the department to further the “soothing out” of concerns and to implement the structure and command presence for all personnel.

Those individuals are Chief Winquist, Major Patalano and Major Quick. Personally, I know Major Quick the best, followed by Major Patalano and Chief Winquest. However, I had the opportunity to witness all three during the most recent tumultuous time, I have come to admire their professionalism, their steadfast resolve and their willingness to serve all of the citizens of Cranston as true leaders for public safety.

At the same I feel compelled to recognize the City Council for all of the hard work during this period and most of all for their willingness to take the many “bumps” in to road as they tried to figure a way out of the dilemma for the promotion of Patalano. For those who did not follow this exercise, let me assure you that it was anything but easy! Their were deep concerns about setting a precedent regarding Patalano’s contract, which was designed to protect him from further harm (remember, he was put on paid leave for two years) regarding his severance, while protecting him for his state pension. They created a special designation for him as a captain, should he be relived of his position as a major, assuring him that he will able to fulfill his required years to full retirement.

Sounds a little convoluted? Yes, but it does solve what could have tuned out to be a very major problem, thus allowing the department “to move forward” – the few words that we heard so many times during this period.

Recognizing that many individuals had a strong hand in fashioning this wording, from where I was able to discern the contributors, I want to publicly thank Council President John Lanni, my councilman Paul Archetto, the office of legal affairs, Cranston administration and Major Patalano and his counsel for all of the hours that they were prepared to give right up to today.

There is still the big elephant in the room left for public consumption that is, as of this writing, still smoldering in a strong box. That is the State Police report on “Ticketgate” and an overview of the police department as determined by the investigators! This report was meant to let the public know “who made what decisions and who knew what and when.” This is a very serious matter, made more so by Mayor Fung!

Do I have to point out that his number one job is our safety? All citizens, with the full support (both Democrats and Republicans) on the council must keep up the pressure, and bring to light the unabridged report that is now way overdue. If the full report is not made public, it will remain a “black eye” on all participants’ now and forever. Let us hope for is a positive outcome!

Richard Tomlins

Cranston

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