Back on December 11 of last year, dozens upon dozens of admirers showed up when the Town of Johnston renamed — and dedicated — Johnston police headquarters on Atwood Avenue the Chief Richard S. Tamburini Safety Complex.

Amid special speeches by dignitaries including Mayor Joseph M. Polisena and the state’s federal officials such as U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, Johnston Police Detective James Seymour, who serves as president of IBPO Local 307, made an announcement that met with applause aplenty.

That’s because Seymour told a standing room-only crowd inside the Johnston Senior Center that Local 307 was establishing The Chief Richard S. Tamburini Criminal Justice Scholarship and would present a $1,000 award to a senior male and a female student at Johnston High School.

Last Thursday night, Seymour, who was accompanied by Lt. David Loffler, JPD School Resource Officer Louis Cotoia, and Tamburini, awarded the initial grants during Johnston High School’s Senior Honor Awards Night.

“The Johnston Police Department recognized the need for high school students to be able to access quality educational opportunities at the college level,” Seymour told an attentive audience. “The Johnston Police Union Established the Richard S. Tamburini Scholarship and Education Fund in the Chief’s honor.”

Seymour also related, before introducing the legendary and now-retired former JPD chief who served for three decades with Providence Police and the remainder of his 55-year career with the JPD: “The opportunity for higher education is more difficult than ever due to the high cost of college tuition.”

After a special introduction, Tamburini began: “First, tonight I must congratulate the entire Johnston High Scholl Class of 2022. Your parents, family, teachers and the entire school community y are very proud of your success and accomplishments; all are eager to see your dreams become a reality.”

Tamburini then offered: “I am incredibly honored to have the Richard S. Tamburini Scholarship recognize my law enforcement career. Not many of us live to see our legacy play out in such a meaning and remarkable way.”

The ex-Chief then made it official saying, “tonight two deserving Johnston High school graduates will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. This is made possible by the Johnston Police Union. At this time it is indeed my pleasure to introduce this year’s recipients: Emily Iannuccilli and Ryan Schino.”

Emily is the daughter of JFD Deputy Chief Dave Iannuccilli, who will enroll in Criminal Justice at Nicholas College in September and hopes to become a lawyer. She starred in basketball and fast-pitch softball at JHS and also won the PTSO Scholarship, Honey Dew Donuts Scholarship and Hopkins Family Memorial Scholarship. She will continue playing softball at Nichols College. She also won the RI Amy National Guard Scholar-Athlete Award.

Ryan is the son of Paul and Gina Schino. He plans to enroll at the University of New England in Maine and will also study criminal justice and is focused on becoming a lawyer. He was a standout for JHS’ Panthers football team and will continue his gridiron career at the University of New England. Ryan also won the Hopkins Family Memorial Scholarship, the prestigious David S. Francazio Esq. Jurisprudence Scholarship (which was presented by Nicole M. Corbin, Esq.). He also won the Hopkins Family Memorial Scholarship.