'Through it all, be at my side'

Posted 5/15/19

`Through it all, be at my side' On Tuesday morning, members of the community and local officials gathered at the Cranston Police Department's Garfield Avenue headquarters for the 27th annual Memorial Service, held as part of National Police Memorial

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

'Through it all, be at my side'

SOLEMN REMEMBRANCE: Members of the Cranston Police Department Honor Guard present the colors during Tuesday’s 27th annual Memorial Service, which was held as part of National Police Memorial Week.

SOMBER SOUNDS: Officer Patrick McCoy performs “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes during the memorial ceremony.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF: Col. Michael Winquist addresses the audience during Tuesday’s ceremony.

SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM: Cranston High School West student Megan Mahoney led participants in Monday’s ceremony in both the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

PAYING TRIBUTE: The Cranston Police Department’s Mobile Crime Lab, dedicated to the memory of Detective William Palmer, was present during the memorial ceremony. The gold letter on the side of vehicle includes a tribute to Palmer.

PART OF THE FAMILY: Family members of Officer Leonard F. D’Errico and and Detective William J. Palmer look on during Tuesday’s ceremony.

Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2019 12:51 pm

On Tuesday morning, members of the community and local officials gathered at the Cranston Police Department’s Garfield Avenue headquarters for the 27th annual Memorial Service, held as part of National Police Memorial Week.

The event included tributes to Officer Leonard F. D’Errico, who served on the department for 28 years and passed away in December 2018, and Detective William J. Palmer, who also served for 28 years and passed away in February of this year. Members of both the officers’ families were in attendance, and the department’s Mobile Crime Lab, which has been dedicated in Palmer’s memory, was also present.

Cranston High School West student Megan Mahoney led the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, and fellow Cranston West student Dominic Kaffenberger performed taps. Father Robert Marciano provided the invocation and benediction.

Representatives of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Cranston Police Relief Association, Cranston Police Retirees’ Association and Fraternal Order of Police took part in a wreath-laying ceremony, while the Cranston Police Honor Guard presented and retrieved the colors. Retired Sgt. Floyd Smith, Capt. Carl Rob Ricci and recruit Alberto Diaz led the roll call of the deceased.

Maj. Todd Patalano, Chief of Police Col. Michael Winquist and Mayor Allan Fung were among the speakers during the event.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)