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




                        TRIBUTE TO THOMAS VERDI

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate 
Commander Thomas Verdi on his retirement from the Providence Police 
Department. Deputy Chief Verdi joined the force 35 years ago after 
graduating from the University of Rhode Island, fulfilling his lifelong 
dream of becoming a police officer. I had the pleasure of meeting Tom 
when he was a young officer, we did an overnight ``ride-along'' 
together, and I have worked with him over the years from my time as 
U.S. Attorney and Attorney General until his retirement.
  His commitment to the job and love for Providence helped him rise up 
the ranks into leadership roles. He was the first Providence police 
officer to serve on the State parole board; he ran Providence's 
training program and led the department administratively. A cop's cop, 
Tom was a renowned undercover officer, he received the U.S. Attorney's 
Award for his work in the multi-agency Latin Kings gang investigation, 
and ultimately received the National Police Association's Top Cops 
award for his narcotics investigation prowess.
  As he retires, I come to the floor to recognize how Commander Verdi 
has served with distinction and honored the residents of Providence. He 
comes from a Rhode Island family of great accomplishment, and I thank 
Tom for his distinguished service and wish him, his wife Kimberly, and 
his family all the best in the chapter of his life that lies 
ahead.

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