State Police Superintendent, Colonel O’Donnell, to retire

Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Colonel Steven Donnell has announced his retirement.

O’Donnell says he and his family made the hard choice that it was time to leave the force after 5 plus years as the superintendent and 33 years working in law enforcement.

"I just felt that I went from 100 to 95,” said O’Donnell. " I sat down and talked to the Governor and told her how I felt. She didn’t agree with me she thought that I should stay."

Governor Raimondo accepting his resignation telling us she has nothing but praise for what he has been able to get done.

"We’ve worked very well together,” said Raimondo. “It’s a hard job. He’s worked 100 hours a week for almost 6 years. He’s done an incredible job and he’s earned it. It’s time to retire."

O’Donnell started off as a correctional officer in 1983, moving on to be a patrolman in North Kingstown one year later. His next jump was to the State Police. Looking back, he calls that his biggest accomplishment.

"In 1986 when I got picked to be a state trooper. Really, the reality of it. I’m a young man that grew up in Providence. I had a desire to be a state trooper. Why? Because I met one once and that resonates with me 33 years later,” said O’Donnell.

O’Donnell spent years undercover working with the mafia. He did take a break from police work to serve as a U.S. Marshal for two years before coming back to the state police to serve as the superintendent.

Now that he’s set to leave for good, he says it’s the people he’ll miss most.

"The men and women here. There is nothing better than talking to them on a daily basis,” said O’Donnell.

O’Donnell’s last day will be September 23. Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Barry will take over until a permanent replacement is found.

O’Donnell is hoping someone from within the department will be chosen; however Governor Raimondo says she will look everywhere including outside of the department to ensure she finds the very best person for the job.

© WLNE-TV 2016