KINGSTON, R.I. — August 27, 2018–The University of Rhode Island Department of Public Safety gathered August 16 to honor the accomplishments of several officers and administrators at their second annual awards ceremony.

“As public servants, they have shown a true commitment to our community, and their efforts and hard work are moving our department forward in providing the best delivery of police services for all community members,” said Major Michael Jagoda. “I also know that it is not always easy to meet every challenge we face as police officers. However, they are making a positive difference every day. This ceremony recognizes their continued dedication and commitment and their efforts do not go unnoticed and are appreciated.”

For his actions involving a drug arrest and response to a suicidal individual, Officer John Bush of Richmond was awarded the Medal for Outstanding Service. This honor is reserved for individuals who successfully perform an extremely complex or difficult investigation; or demonstrate exceptional skill or ingenuity in the apprehension of a wanted person; or provide outstanding service to the public; or continuously achieve excellence in performance in duties over an extended period.

Sergeant Erica Vieira of Richmond, Officer Anthony Brito of Westerly and Detective Mark Brasil of Richmond were also awarded the Medal of Outstanding Service for their work identifying and apprehending a suspect who stole a series of MacBooks from the Robert L. Carothers Library in 2017. Officer Michael Intrieri of Westerly was also awarded the Medal of Outstanding Service for his continuous proactive patrol functions and subsequent drug arrest.

The department also honored two public safety department staff members:

Dispatcher Thomas Galluscio of Westerly was honored as the department’s Dispatcher of the Year for his consistent attention to detail and effective communication in relaying important information to URI first responders. Galluscio received numerous letters of thanks from both inside and outside the department for his exemplary work.

Fiscal Management Officer Lora Frisella, of Wakefield, was honored as the Public Safety Employee of the Year for her consistent effort in administering the budget of eight departments in public safety.

“I would like to congratulate all the award recipients for their accomplishments,” Jagoda said. “I continue to be impressed by the dedication and commitment that all police  and security officers and dispatchers put forth in their daily activities. I sincerely appreciate their hard work throughout the year, and their efforts make our campus a safer place to live, work, and learn in.”

In addition, several new officers were sworn in by Director of Public Safety Stephen Baker during the event. The department welcomed Officer Krystle Alexander of Newport, Bruce Atwell of East Providence and Andrew Tainsh of Warwick. Brito and Intrieri also received promotions.

Additionally, the department welcomed two new staff members. Joseph Trotta of Narragansett joined the department in June as an electrician with Alarm Services. Abigail Bernier, of Wakefield, began working with the Environmental Health and Safety branch in March as the new Industrial Hygienist.