RI top leaders react to Col. O’Donnell’s retirement

By: News Staff

News@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I – In the wake of Colonel Steven O’Donnell announcing his retirement, Rhode Island’s top leaders are sharing their thoughts on his years of service to the state.

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin released this statement, reading in part:  

“The citizens of Rhode Island owe Colonel Steven O’Donnell a great debt of gratitude for his more than 30 years of service in law enforcement.  As Attorney General, I have had the pleasure and honor of working alongside Colonel O’Donnell for many years, and consider him a confidante, a colleague, and a friend.  I know firsthand his passion for the law, his respect for his fellow officers, and his commitment to excellence.  I, along with the prosecutors in this office, many of whom have worked for decades with Colonel O’Donnell, will miss his tenacity and perseverance on cases.”

U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

“Colonel O’Donnell dedicated his career to public service and public safety.  We are grateful for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Rhode Island.  I would like to express my sincere appreciation and admiration for his work and thank him for his many years of service.  I wish he and his family all the best.”

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said in part:

“I am grateful to Colonel O’Donnell for his decades of exemplary service protecting the people of Rhode Island.  I have had the honor and pleasure to work with Colonel O’Donnell over many years, from running investigations in which he was an undercover operative, to joining Senator Reed in recommending that President Obama select him as our United States Marshal.  His work ethic, dedication, judgment, and integrity represent the very best in law enforcement.  I wish him success in all his future endeavors.”

U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline said:

“During three decades of service to our state and our country, Colonel O’Donnell has worked relentlessly to bring criminals to justice and keep our communities safe. On his watch, the Rhode Island State Police has continued to define itself as one of the finest law enforcement agencies in our nation. While there is no question that our state will miss his strong leadership, I congratulate him on his upcoming retirement and wish him the best as he embarks on a new chapter.”

President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed also thanked Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell for his 31 years of service in law enforcement.

She said: “Colonel O’Donnell is an example of all that is right with Rhode Island. He has served the state and the nation with dignity and distinction. The members of the Senate have been fortunate to work together with him on many issues to improve public safety. Colonel O’Donnell was a strong partner as we improved laws related to identity theft, driving under the influence, and domestic violence. He also participated in development of a comprehensive package of legislation to improve prison sentencing. The Colonel’s personal involvement during our efforts to address the opioid crisis was remarkable. He recognized the overdose issue as a health crisis, personally attended monthly meetings, and brought a compassionate approach to the discussion. His efforts resulted in distribution of Narcan to police departments throughout the state and new, lifesaving laws to better prevent and treat substance use disorders.”

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