To the Editor:

On behalf of all residents in Cranston, I want to give praise to the men and women of the Cranston Police Department for their tremendous efforts in protecting our city during recent expressions of protest in the area of Elmwood Avenue and our border with the City of Providence.

All residents are grateful that the police have discouraged and effectively dealt with the impact of displays of protests outside our city. Far too often we see moments of peaceful protests grow into senseless acts of violence and destruction. Unlawful acts of looting, vandalism and property damage to residents and undeserving business owners and building structures cannot be condoned. These acts frequently place our first responders at risk for their own safety.

I want to praise Mayor Allan Fung and the leadership of the police department for having an emergency response plan ready with the priority to keep residents safe and to protect property and businesses. Our tremendous law enforcement members and fire emergency personnel risk their lives every day and we should never take them for granted.

Insuring safe neighborhoods and the protection of our citizens will be a priority for me as Mayor. However, today I express my appreciation as a councilman citywide and admirer of our police department and all that they do every day protecting this community. Another job well done for Cranston.

Kenneth J. Hopkins

Cranston

The author is a citywide member of the Cranston City Council and the Republican candidate for mayor.