Avedisian, police officials to celebrate promotions, award three special commendations tomorrow night PDF Print E-mail
Mayor Scott Avedisian, police department officials and the Board of Public Safety will recognize the promotions of six individuals and bestow special commendations on three people for outstanding actions during the Police Department’s promotional and awards ceremony tomorrow at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers in City Hall.

The following will be promoted: Lieutenant Michael J. Higgins to the rank of captain; Sergeants Kenneth A. Furtado and Michael L. Gilbert to lieutenant; and Detective Margaret A. McKay, and Officers Mark Ullucci and Lori A. Michailides to the rank of sergeant.

Three special awards will be given as well.

Lt. Thomas C. Hannon will receive the Lifesaving Award for his actions on August 19, 2008, when he observed a prisoner in the cellblock who had used his shirt to hang himself and was unconscious. Hannon quickly opened the cell, removed the shirt from the prisoner’s neck and began administering medical treatment. The prisoner regained consciousness and was later treated by medical personnel. Hannon’s “professionalism and attention to detail are in keeping with the long-standing tradition of the Warwick Police Department,” according to the commendation.


Jailer David DiSano will receive the Civilian Appreciation Award, for his role in the identification and subsequent apprehension of a suspect wanted in relation to a breaking and entering at the Park Cinema in Cranston, from where a large amount of tools were taken. DiSano recognized the suspect from a local news report, then searched through arrest photos and reported the individual’s identity to the captain on duty. The suspect, also identified on the Rhode Island Most Wanted website, was arrested by Cranston police, who said they were able to identify the suspect thanks to DiSano’s information.


Melissa Paiva will receive the Citizen Commendation for her role in an October 28, 2008 incident involving a car engulfed in flames on Centerville Road. Paiva saw a vehicle hit a traffic light pole. The engine burst into flames, with a woman, who could not move her legs, still in the vehicle. Paiva crawled into the rear driver’s side door and helped the victim out of the car. Shortly thereafter, smoke and flames engulfed the car’s interior. In recommending the commendation, police said that, due to the victim’s injuries and the condition of the car, without Paiva’s assistance she would have sustained severe injuries or died.