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SR 1029

SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING BURRILLVILLE POLICE CHIEF COLONEL STEPHEN J. LYNCH UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE RHODE ISLAND CRIMINAL JUSTICE HALL OF FAME

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lou DiPalma and 9 co-sponsors

Ceremonial recognition praising Stephen J. Lynch for induction into the RI Criminal Justice Hall of Fame and his decades of Rhode Island law enforcement leadership and community in

05/07/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 1029

Summary: Senate Resolution SR 1029

Purpose and Intent

  • SR 1029 is a Senate resolution congratulating Burrillville Police Chief Colonel Stephen J. Lynch on his induction into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame.
  • The resolution serves as ceremonial recognition of Chief Lynch’s career and contributions to Rhode Island’s criminal justice system and community safety.

Background and Honoree Profile

  • The Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to honor Rhode Island criminal justice professionals who have demonstrated exemplary service.
  • Stephen J. Lynch is a Smithfield native who has held multiple high-level positions in law enforcement and public safety.
    • Education and early achievements: Bachelor's degree from Rhode Island College (1982). Notable athletic achievements at Rhode Island College, including goaltender on the soccer team and later induction into the Rhode Island College Athletic Hall of Fame.
    • Rhode Island State Police career: Entered through the Rhode Island State Police Academy (1986); served in the uniform division, then Detective Division (1991) with roles such as Officer in Charge of Major Crimes, Detective Sergeant (founded Violent Fugitive Task Force, managed Rhode Island’s Ten Most Wanted list, Interpol liaison, Witness Protection Board Member, Detective Commander for five years); promoted to Lieutenant, Captain, and finally Major; retired in 2008.
    • Post-retirement roles: Assistant Athletic Director at Brown University; served on the Department of Public Safety Oversight Board; advised students in disciplinary hearings.
    • Burrillville Police Department: Appointed Police Chief in 2013; focused on community-driven initiatives. Notably created the Burrillville Addiction Assistance Program and the Burrillville Prevention Action Coalition (2017) in response to overdose deaths. Recognized nationally by Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative (PAARI) for his efforts.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution:
    • Extends heartfelt congratulations to Stephen J. Lynch upon his induction into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame.
    • Recognizes and cites his extensive career achievements, leadership, and community initiatives.
    • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a duly certified copy of the resolution to Chief Stephen J. Lynch.

Effects and Impact

  • This is a ceremonial, non-fiscal acknowledgment of an individual’s professional accomplishments and community impact.
  • No changes to laws, policies, budgets, or criminal justice procedures are enacted.
  • Public acknowledgment may enhance visibility of Chief Lynch’s career and Burrillville’s public safety initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: May 7, 2025.
  • Referred to: Recommended for Immediate Consideration.
  • Status: Senate read and passed on May 7, 2025.
  • Next steps (typical for a Senate resolution): If pursued, it would proceed to the House for consideration and, if enacted, would culminate in transmission of a certified copy to Chief Lynch by the Secretary of State.

Quick Take

  • SR 1029 is a formal, ceremonial commendation honoring Chief Stephen J. Lynch for his induction into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame, highlighting a decades-long career in Rhode Island law enforcement and significant community-focused initiatives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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