[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING EDWARD D. PARE

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, the State of Rhode Island has 
lost a dear and dedicated public servant. Captain Edward D. Pare was a 
sworn officer of the Rhode Island State Police for 2\1/2\ decades, from 
1959 until his retirement in 1986.
  Captain Pare was a true son of Rhode Island, born in Coventry, RI. In 
addition to serving our State, he also served his country in the U.S. 
Navy, sailing appropriately enough aboard the USS Pawcatuck, named for 
the river that flows across the southern part of our State.
  Captain Pare left an indelible mark on the force. He was captain of 
detectives for many years prior to his retirement. In this important 
role, Captain Pare had his hand in every major investigation undertaken 
by the State police during that period. His leadership and commitment 
were the hallmarks of his stint with the department and set an example 
for a generation of officers. Even beyond his retirement, Captain Pare 
was known in law enforcement circles and across Rhode Island as simply 
``The Captain.''
  During his tenure with the State police, Captain Pare acted as both 
the head of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles and the 
director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. There had 
been concerns raised about mismanagement and corruption at these 
agencies. Captain Pare, as the ``gold standard'' of competence, rigor, 
and integrity, provided public assurance that any such problems would 
be met and mastered.
  Captain Pare's sense of public service was a family value, carried on 
by his sons, Ed and Steven. During our Rhode Island banking crisis, I 
had the pleasure of working alongside Ed at the Rhode Island Department 
of Business Regulation, where he worked for the people of Rhode Island 
for many years in a number of roles, including superintendent of 
banking and superintendent of the securities division. Steven followed 
his father's path into the State police, rising in his 26 years to the 
rank of colonel and serving as State trooper, detective, and 
superintendent of the force. Steven continues his work in law 
enforcement and homeland security today as commissioner of public 
safety for the city of Providence.
  Captain Pare is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis, and in addition 
to Ed and Steven, he leaves behind his daughter Diane, son Gary, and 12 
grandchildren. The captain's impact on our communities was profound, 
and his legacy of integrity and service to others will be remembered by 
Rhode Islanders for a long time to come.

                          ____________________