[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 14 (Monday, January 23, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S52-S53]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO HUGH T. CLEMENTS, JR.

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate 
Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., on his retirement from the Providence 
Police Department and on his new role at the Department of Justice 
running the COPS program. A 38-year veteran of the police force, 
Colonel Clements joined the police force right out of college. He 
worked his way to the top job and did so with integrity and devotion to 
the job and the city he loves. Two things stand out about Hugh: One, he 
made the transition from leading the FOP to leading the department, a 
feat that provides a measure of his skills and fairness; two, in the 
department's dark days, he remained true to his oath, even though that 
likely ended any chance for him at promotion. When the skies ultimately 
brightened, his choice to stay true was rewarded; but at the time, it 
was not sure that day would ever come. It is easy to do the right thing 
when you are rewarded for it; when it comes with a price, that is the 
true test--one he passed. I have always admired and enjoyed working 
with Hugh. One of his many gifts is to always be in touch with and 
understand his officers and the challenges they face as they serve our 
capital city, with a similar understanding with the broader community. 
Leading any sizable department can be difficult, but Colonel Clements' 
long tenure in the role of chief under several mayoral administrations 
is a testament to his abilities--to the affection, loyalty and respect 
he has earned and to his thoughtful and effective community-centered 
approach.
  Chief Clements has received many accolades for his outstanding 
service. He is a three-time recipient of the Chiefs Award. He has been 
recognized

[[Page S53]]

for his work by the FBI, ATF, and the Rhode Island Attorney General. 
And now, the Attorney General of the United States has placed his trust 
in him. I thank Colonel Clements for his steadfast commitment to the 
people of our capital city and to the officers of the Providence Police 
Department as he leaves city service. I wish him, his wife Donna, and 
their family, all the best--and I look forward to continuing to work 
with him here in Washington to protect the public safety.

                          ____________________