2019 -- S 0187

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LC000344

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF RUDOLPH J. LEGENZA

     

     Introduced By: Senators Crowley, Ruggerio, Lombardi, Satchell, and McKenney

     Date Introduced: January 31, 2019

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of

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Rudolph "Rudy" J. Legenza, Retired Commander of the Central Falls Police Department; and

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     WHEREAS, Born in Pawtucket, Rudy Legenza was a son of Helen and the late Rudolph

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Legenza, and the brother of Kathleen Tinkham, Michael Legenza and his wife, Linda, and

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William Legenza and his wife, Carolyn. He graduated from Central Falls High School and

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received his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Salve Regina University. He was a

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lifelong resident of Central Falls; and

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     WHEREAS, Mr. Legenza served our country with honor and distinction in the United

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States Air Force as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War; and

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     WHEREAS, In September of 1969, Mr. Legenza was appointed to the Central Falls

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Police Department. He retired after thirty years of service as not only a Commander but also a

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legend; and

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     WHEREAS, Mr. Legenza's notoriety was a result of an illustrious career that began with

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walking a beat, advanced when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in charge of Detectives

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in the early 1980s, and included helping to solve the murder of his friend, and assisting with

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uncovering and exposing an international cocaine ring with deep ties to the City. He worked with

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law enforcement agencies including Interpol, Canadian Mounties, FBI, INS and DEA to rid the

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city of local cocaine operations that were estimated at $100 million per year; and

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     WHEREAS, The tale of Mr. Legenza's and his partner, Mike White's actions were aired

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on television and published in numerous articles including Rolling Stones Magazine, The New

 

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York Times, and Reader's Digest, as well as all the local newspapers; and

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     WHEREAS, Rudy Legenza faced many challenges during the course of his career but

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took the most pride in his family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman who

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traveled internationally on his expeditions; and

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     WHEREAS, In addition to his mother and siblings, Mr. Legenza is survived by his nieces

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Rebecca, Tiffany, Alissa, Kerri and nephew Michael as well as his great-niece Amber and his

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beloved "Wingmen" great-nephews Jordan and Damien. He will be dearly missed by all who

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shared his life; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby extends deepest sympathies on the passing of Rudolph J. Legenza; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Helen Legenza and Family.

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LC000344

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