The Johnston Police Department’s credo – “Working together, Making a Difference” – surfaced in perhaps an all-time high Monday night.

High-ranking law enforcement personnel from throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts – along with family and friends of the JPD – filled the Johnston Senior Center’s multi-purpose room for the 11th Recognition of Excellence and Promotion Ceremony.

The lively and impressive ceremony, which was filled with everything from pomp and circumstance to several standing ovations, was highlighted by the promotion of four JPD officers while 12 other officers who received prestigious awards.

Likewise, two private citizens were presented awards for their outstanding service to the Johnston Police Department.

Perhaps JPD Chief Richard S. Tamburini – who was also honored with a Special Achievement Award for his extraordinary 50-year plus career in law enforcement – said it best during his opening remarks.

“Police officers put it on the line every day with quiet dignity and courage and I am deeply grateful for their commitment to duty and the privilege of working beside our officers for the past 21 years as their chief,” Tamburini said before requesting “A moment of silence for officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation’s citizens. God Bless the families they families left behind.”

Tamburini then introduced Deputy Chief Daniel O. Parrillo who did served as the night’s Master of Ceremonies. He chronicled the careers and accomplishments of the four promoted officers and 12 award winners.

Monday night’s ceremony also included the Invocation and Benediction given by Rev. Peter J. Gower, the pastor at Our Lady of Grace Church who also serves as the JPD’s Chaplain.

Yet another highlight came when Michaela J. Ballirano sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena also delivered a co-keynote address while thanking the “Rhode Island law enforcement community for turning out in support of our police department.”

The Mayor, who heaped words of praise upon Tamburini, Parrillo and the men and women of the JPD, said: “I know we are here tonight to recognize what you have done, which is in many cases above and beyond your call of duty. Throughout the years your job has become much more difficult on a day-to- basis. As I have said in the past, a promotion is not just a pay grade increase; it’s about a huge responsibility.”

The Mayor, who also performed the swearing in of the four promoted officers, went on: “When you are elevated to a higher rank, you not only become a leader but a role model to your peers and subordinates. Those peers are relying on your guidance and leadership.”

The four JPD officers receiving promotions are: Thomas H. Dolan from Captain to Major; Mark A. Vieira from Lieutenant to Captain; Troy J. Maddocks from Sergeant to Lieutenant and Joseph A. McGinn from patrolman to Sergeant.

Once Parrillo finished speaking about the four officers careers and Polisena administered the Oath of Office, they each received their new badges during the customary and fun-filled pinning portion of the ceremony performed by McGinn’s mother Linda; Maddocks’ fiancée Lisa; Vieira’s wife Erica and son Anthony; and Dolan by his wife Christine.

Monday night’s ceremony also included five different categories for the special awards, the most prestigious as Parrillo noted being the Mayor’s Award.

“The Mayor’s Medal is awarded to any sworn member of this department who, while in the performance of his/her duty, distinguishes himself/herself by exposing himself/herself to a serious personal hazard of danger while engaging the act cited,” read a description in the eight-page printed program.

The distinguished honor which was personally presented by Polisena, went Police Officer Brooke Ardito who chased down a dangerous and armed suspect who performed multi-crimes before being apprehended.

The Making A Difference Award, which is presented to those civilian employees and private citizens for meritorious acts performance went to Victorio Mangione and Mark Sartel, a retired RI State Trooper.

Letter of Commendation Awards, which are presented to an officer who conducts himself or herself in a manner that benefits recognition went to: Lt. Michael Babbitt, Det. Mark Bairos, Patrolman Kevin Brady, Patrolman Jared DeAngelis, Det. Thomas Dwyer, Sgt. Joseph McGinn, Patrolman Remy Mendez, Lt. Joseph Salvadore and Lt. Mark Vieira.

Det. Seth Crosby and Det. Michael Edwards were recipients of the Town Council Award presented to any sworn members of the JKPD who, while in the line of duty, renders medical aid to a person whose life in is immediate danger and does so in such manger as to sustain the person and enable the man or woman to be delivered alive to the appropriate medical personnel or facility. The nature of the act must involve giving aid and comfort to assist in saving a life as opposed to direct action involving police powers.

The Blue Ribbon Award, presented to any sworn members of the JPD who, in the performance of duty, distinguishes himself/herself by meritorious service while engaged in patrol or investigative duties.

The recipients were: Sgt. Stephen Altomari, Lt. Michael Babbitt, Patrolman Kevin Brady, Patrolman Kevin Cardoza, Lt. Christopher Correia, Major Thomas Dolan, Patrolman David Galligan, Patrolman Edward Gonzalez, Patrolman Matthew Leveillee, Patrolman Michael Martufi, Sgt. Joseph McGinn, Patrolman Derrick Palazzo, Patrolman Adam Parkinson, Patrolman Michael Protano, Lt. Joseph Salvadore, Det. James Seymour, Patrolman David Slinko and Patrolman Richard Varan.

The night’s final honor, which featured a well-deserved standing ovation, went to Tamburini during an emotion-filled presentation performed by Parrillo and Providence Police Chief Col. Hugh Clements who worked — and learned — as he said under the JPD chief.

The inscription on the plaque read: “In appreciation of your over 50 years of dedicated and devoted service to the residents of the Town of Johnston and the City of Providence and for all the police officers who have inspired throughout your career. Your loyalty and commitment to the profession have made you one of its greatest ambassadors. We wish you continued success on your journey.”

Parrillo closed what he called “a very special night” by thanking Lori Anderson, the Chief’s administrative assistant, “for all the hard work she does – not just for this ceremony – for keeping the Chief and me on task daily.”

He also thanked the awards committee, which included Capt. Matt LeDuc, Lt. Joe Salvadore, Lt. Matt Benson, Sgt. Brian LeClair, Sgt. Joe Scichilone, Det. Anthony Sasso and Officer Brooke Ardito, “for their diligence in reviewing all the submissions.