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

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

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

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

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

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

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

lifelong resident of Central Falls; and

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

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

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

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

legend; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

traveled internationally on his expeditions; and

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

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

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

shared his life; now, therefore be it

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

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

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

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

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