Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today announced the creation of the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame to honor outstanding professionals who have worked to improve and uphold the principles of the criminal justice system in Rhode Island. Kilmartin also announced the inaugural class of inductees to be honored at a reception on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI.
“From protecting the safety and security of our communities to eliciting truth and ensuring due process of law, the thousands of men and women who make up our criminal justice system help make our system of law the finest in the world,” said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. “By creating the Hall of Fame, we have an opportunity to honor the men and women who have significantly contributed to our criminal justice system.”
Inductees into the Hall of Fame include local and state law enforcement professionals, academics, judges, attorneys and other professionals who have made a significant impact in the criminal justice system through personal and professional achievements. The inaugural class includes:
- Former Attorney General and Retired Superior Court Associate Justice Richard J. Israel
- Former Rhode Island State Police Colonel Walter E. Stone
- Former Rhode Island Chief Public Defender William Reilly
- South Kingstown Police Chief Vincent Vespia, Jr.
- Former US Marshal, Cumberland Police Chief and Providence Public Safety Commissioner Chief John Partington
- Department of Corrections Director A.T. Wall
- Retired Providence Police officer and National Fraternal Order of Police Trustee Raymond Pezzullo
- Retired FBI Special Agent and Salve Regina University Professor Dr. James Farrington
- Retired Cranston Police Sergeant and founder of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Union Thomas Lanzi
- Department of Corrections Assistant Director
The selection process was carried out by the Criminal Justice Hall of Fame Board of Trustees, representing all facets of the criminal justice system. The Trustees selected individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding personal and professional achievements in the field of criminal justice while maintaining the highest standard of integrity and character.
“I could not envision a more notable inaugural class for the Criminal Justice Hall of Fame,” continued Kilmartin. “Each individual has left an indelible mark on our criminal justice system, and Rhode Island is a better, safer place for their efforts.”
The Community College of Rhode Island Lincoln Campus will house the Criminal Justice Hall of Fame, which is anticipated to be interactive history of the careers of the inductees. The induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI.