RI's Top Cop, Col. Steven G. O'Donnell, to Retire

RHODE ISLAND—The Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police since 2011 and an acclaimed law enforcement officer with a career that began as a correctional officer in 1983, Col. Steven G. O'Donnell, is retiring.

O'Donnell confirmed Thursday that he is retiring from the job. His decision comes at a time when the Rhode Island State Police is looked upon locally—and nationally—with admiration and respect.

"I appreciate the opportunity I've had to serve the people of Rhode Island and lead the State Police. Law enforcement plays a vital role in strengthening the state and I look forward to contributing to Rhode Island's strong future in new ways," said Col. O'Donnell in a statement. "I'm thankful for the strong partnership I've had with Governor Raimondo."

In a statement, Raimondo said that O'Donnell has "worked tirelessly over the course of his career to build strong community and police relations, and he understands that public safety is essential to growing the state's economy."

O'Donnell joined the state police in 1986 and worked undercover to help take down the notorious Patriarca organized crime family while working undercover. He retired in 2009 and was appointed by President Barack Obama as the United States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. He was tapped to lead the state police by Governor Lincoln Chafeee in 2011.

Congressman Jim Langevin said in a statement: “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.

Lt. Colonel Kevin Barry will serve as acting superintendent and acting director of the Department of Public Safety while a search for O'Donnell's successor begins, the governor said.

Photo courtesy: Rhode Island State Police

This story is being updated.