Col. Manni to retire Friday, recaps career with Rhode Island State Police

"I hope my legacy is that I was just a regular guy that came up through the ranks...always tried to do the right thing...and lived up to the motto of the State Police, which is 'to the service of the state'," Manni said. "I owe the state police everything. It owes me nothing. It's been the highlight of my life."

SCITUATE, R.I. (WLNE) – After a decorated career in law enforcement, Col. James Manni will say goodbye to Rhode Island State Police on Friday. He begins a new role as town manager of South Kingstown on Monday.

Wrapping up a 35-year career this week, the colonel’s resume includes working as a special agent for the Internal Revenue Service and in the Secret Service. Manni has worked on teams set to protect presidents like Ronald Reagan, George Bush, as well as the Queen of England.

“I got to experience that, which was a great thing, but my heart was in Rhode Island,” Manni explained. “And I attained my dream of being a trooper.”

Joining state police in 1990, Manni worked his way up in the ranks and initially retired as a major in 2015 due to age limits.

“It was sad to walk away from this agency which I love,” he said.

He served as town manager of Narragansett for three years before being asked by former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, to come back to the agency and serve as superintendent.

Through a pandemic and civil unrest, the colonel shared his pride in the agency.

“When everyone was running this way the troopers were running that way. And they really stepped up,” Manni said.

When speaking about his support system throughout his career, Manni credited his wife Tracy. He told ABC 6 News they met the day he graduated from the police academy while she was working in the governor’s press office.

“You have to have a special spouse to really listen and hear you vent about, what you see,” he said.

Manni said he’s looking forward to his new role as town manager for many reasons, including making a direct impact on the residents and working hand in hand with town council.

“That is a pure form of democracy,” he explained. “It’s very fulfilling.”

He’s hoping he made a mark with state police.

“I hope my legacy is that I was just a regular guy that came up through the ranks…always tried to do the right thing…and lived up to the motto of the state police, which is ‘to the service of the state’,” Manni said. “I owe the state police everything. It owes me nothing. It’s been the highlight of my life.”