POLICE NEWS

Police Chief, Mayor laude work of officers at promotion ceremony

By EMMA BARTLETT
Posted 2/2/22

By EMMA BARTLETT The City Council Chambers filled with families and fellow police colleagues Monday who excitedly waited to celebrate the promotions of three Cranston policemen: Justin Dutra, Jon Pariseault and Peter-John Leclerc. Dutra went from

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POLICE NEWS

Police Chief, Mayor laude work of officers at promotion ceremony

Posted

The City Council Chambers filled with families and fellow police colleagues Monday who excitedly waited to celebrate the promotions of three Cranston policemen: Justin Dutra, Jon Pariseault and Peter-John Leclerc. Dutra went from lieutenant to captain; Pariseault moved from sergeant to lieutenant and Leclerc was promoted to sergeant.  

“These officers who have received these promotions have provided dedicated faithful and honorable service to the residents of the city of Cranston,” said Colonel Michael Winquist. 

Between putting in countless hours, studying on personal time and missing family events, the officers worked hard to achieve this promotion. Winquist shared that the promotion was a competitive process and included a written exam as well as an internal consisting of a job performance review and assessment of leadership abilities. 

Mayor Ken Hopkins administered the oath of office while the policemen each had a selected individual pin their new badge to their uniform.  

“Coming from a family of police officers, I know how important it is to the safety of our city and I feel Cranston is one of the safest cities in the state of Rhode Island and I will continue to promote my efforts to make sure Cranston is safe due to the efforts of our Cranston police department,” said Hopkins.  

Hopkins mentioned it is not an easy time to be a police officer.  

“I can assure you that the Cranston community continues to honor and respect our brave men and women in blue and continue to stand with you and invest in this department,” Hopkins said. 

While Cranston police continue to deal with a historic pandemic, strained community relations, reduction in individuals going into the police force, dealing with opioid overdoses and seeing the increase in tension and anxiety in city, Winquist said that together they will continue to address these issues.  

Before coming to Cranston, Dutra was a juvenile correctional officer at the Rhode Island Training School and a police officer for the town of Scituate. In his role on the Cranston police force, Dutra has helped with community outreach, special projects, school resource officers and officers responsible for City Hall security. Obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and minor in psychology from the University of Rhode Island, Dutra has spear-headed high-priority and complex projects and coordinated successful outreach events during his time with the Cranston Police Department. Dutra’s mother, Carol Dutra, pinned his badge at the ceremony.  

Pariseault joined Cranston police in 2003 and moved up to sergeant in 2017. He is currently the patrol supervisor on the second shift and has spent the past four years serving as treasurer of the Cranston Police Relief Association. Pariseault earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island – majoring in accounting. After this, he obtained a Master of Science degree in administration of justice from Roger Williams University. He was also awarded chief letter of recommendation in 2010 and 2014. Pariseault’s girlfriend, Carol Salamone, pinned his badge to his uniform. 

Leclerc joined the Cranston Police Department in 2002 after serving as a police officer for five and a half years in Central Falls. He is currently assigned as an inspector in the traffic unit and has served in this position for the past several years. Leclerc is also responsible in investigating traffic crashes that result in serious bodily injuries and maladies. Serving as a police motorcycle instructor, Leclerc has trained more than 100 motor officers. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in administrational justice from Salve Regina University. His wife, Michele Leclerc, pinned his badge to his uniform.  

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