The YMCA is a hub for families to find community support and resources. It is there that a Cranston resident and one of this year’s honorees of the Y Heroes awards finds himself dedicated to strengthening the community and helping those in need.

Police Capt. Justin Dutra is the community outreach and special projects director for the Cranston Police Department. In that role, he supports different charities, fundraisers and helps address the needs of the community he serves.

Working with the Cranston YMCA branch brings that same mission to Dutra, but outside the frame of his work in policing.

“It’s great to step outside of the Police Department and meet other people that are working in the community,” Dutra said in a video that was played during the annual awards ceremony. “All the events that we do are great opportunities to interact with the people and the citizens of Cranston in a relaxed social setting.”

Dutra said his nomination for the Y Heroes award came as a surprise.

The Y Heroes award honors a group of individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to uplift the Greater Providence YMCA community. The 2025 Y Heroes honorees were honored at the annual Y Heroes event last Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick.

According to Karen Santilli, CEO of the GPYMCA, each honoree played a role in strengthening the community and making a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Dutra has helped with a lot of initiatives at the YMCA. He is also a member of the Cranston Y Advisory Council. He says a lot of the money raised at the spring festivals hosted by police departments goes toward initiatives at the Y.

“Our Y Heroes represent the very best of what makes this community strong,” Santilli said during the ceremony. “They are mentors, advocates, public servants and partners who lead with heart and purpose. Each one has used their voice or their actions to make sure others feel seen, supported and empowered – and that’s exactly what the Y is all about.”

Dutra seems to embody those values through his work leading mentorship and youth-safety initiatives. He also furnished childcare spaces, developed a teen mentorship program and donated bike helmets for the Race 4 Chase initiative.

“They're (the YMCA) a great resource for our low-income residents and provide a lot of opportunity,” Dutra said. “Whether in the gym or aquatics, they offer [a lot] for people of all ages.”

Other honorees for the 2025 Y Heroes are: Rhode Island Foundation President and CEO David Cicilline, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, Rylee Kelly, Mike Montecalvo and The Yan Family.

Dutra said he was shocked and humbled to be included with his fellow honorees and see himself in that company.

“Everything I’ve done to help the Y has been a team effort,” Dutra said. “It wasn’t just me; it was a team effort with the people I work with.”