Langevin Statement on Retirement of Colonel Steven O’Donnell

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) released the following statement in response to Colonel Steven O’Donnell’s announcement that he will retire as Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety:

“Colonel O’Donnell has dedicated his life to public service, and to public safety, in particular. I have always admired and respected him, and I cannot express the depth of my gratitude to the Colonel for all that he has done to make Rhode Island a safer place for all of us. His departure from the State Police is a loss for law enforcement and for Rhode Island as a whole.

“From his time as a correctional officer and his service as a patrolman with the North Kingstown Police Department, to his work as a United States Marshal and his long and decorated career with the Rhode Island State Police, culminating in his role as Superintendent, Colonel O’Donnell has been tirelessly committed to his pledge to serve and protect. He became known for his fearless undercover work to take on organized crime, and more recently has carved a reputation as a leader in fighting cybercrime. He has been an exemplary law enforcement officer and a leader in our community, and I wish him the very best in his retirement.”