Assumpico honored by Defense Department
SCITUATE – The U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) has awarded Col. Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, its Patriot Award for “contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.”
Assumpico’s award is given by the ESGR to employers who provide exceptional levels of support to employees while serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
The Patriot Award certificate and pin were given to Assumpico by Phil Albert, an Army Vietnam Veteran who is vice chairman of the Rhode Island Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, during a ceremony at Rhode Island State Police Headquarters on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Also attending were Thomas Klump, chair manof the Rhode Island ESGR, and Major General Christopher Callahan, Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, as well as other members of the National Guard and the Rhode Island State Police.
The colonel was nominated for the honor by State Police Corporal Kristopher Lagor, who also is a staff sergeant assigned to the 243rd Regional Training Institute (RTI) of the Rhode Island National Guard.
In his letter to the Department of Defense’s ESGR, Cpl. Lagor said the Rhode Island State Police has historically provided its military service members an extraordinary amount of support.
“The RISP, under the leadership of Colonel Assumpico, deserves the highest degree of recognition for the unwavering support of our military service members and undying commitment to our country’s freedom,” Lagor wrote.
During the ceremony, Assumpico said, “I am pleased to accept this Patriot Award on behalf of the Rhode Island State Police.
“We are tremendously proud of the 61 troopers and civilians who currently serve or have served with the military, including the National Guard and Reserve,” she said.
“We are honored to receive this award, but the real honor goes to all of them – these men and women, as well as their families. We have the utmost respect for the sacrifices they make, personally and professionally, to serve our country and protect our freedom,” the colonel said.
Assumpico noted that more than a dozen members of the Rhode Island State Police are currently active members of the National Guard and Reserve, including Trooper Lindsay A. Laurie, a lieutenant with the Army National Guard, and Trooper Brian J. McGuire, a sergeant with the Army National Guard, both of who are currently serving overseas, as well as Trooper Jason R. DiFusco, a lieutenant with the Army National Guard, who is currently training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
“We want each of these troopers and their families to know that we’re here for them – and always will be,” Assumpico said. She further stated: “The Rhode Island State Police is committed to supporting our service members and their families. It is both our duty and our privilege to provide them with the time and support they need to serve,” Assumpico said.