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House adjourns in memory of several figures, proclaims firefighters' awareness month and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Summary
During its Jan. 8 opening session the Rhode Island House offered condolence resolutions for multiple public figures, including Judge Frank Caprio, and approved ceremonial proclamations such as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and January 2026 as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives spent a large portion of its Jan. 8, 2026, opening session offering resolutions of condolence, recognizing community achievements and adopting ceremonial proclamations. Members rose to introduce and ask that resolutions be left on the clerk's desk for signatures honoring a series of recently deceased public figures and community members.
Key memorials and resolutions: Representative McEntee introduced a resolution honoring retired Providence Municipal Court Judge Frank Caprio, noting his 38 years on the bench, national television profile and long record of community service; she asked that the resolution be left on the desk for signatures. Other resolutions were offered to honor the late Edward Dupree (former governor, as read), Alan Hassenfeld (businessman and philanthropist associated with Hasbro), former Representative Edward Danbrook, former Representative Joseph Capeneri, and former Representative Larry Ferguson, among others. Several members also asked that the House adjourn in memory of additional individuals including Kyron Lopes, Ali Job, George Riley, Dr. Peter Quisenberry and Josephine Finnegan.
Proclamations and public-health notes: Deputy Speaker Hull presented a House resolution celebrating National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (Jan. 9, 2026). Representative Casimiro introduced a resolution proclaiming January 2026 as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month in Rhode Island and cited research and risk statistics referenced in the resolution text about cancer incidence among firefighters.
Adjournment: Leader Blazajewski moved that the House adjourn in memory of the named individuals; the motion was seconded by Leader Chippendale, the ayes were announced and the House observed a moment of silence before adjourning.
Representative McEntee, offering the tribute to Judge Caprio, summarized his public presence and quoted Caprio's oft-stated line that captured his approach to the bench: "I don't wear a badge under my robe. I wear a heart," linking that phrase to his reputation for compassion. The resolutions were ceremonial and did not create statutory obligations; they were read into the record and left on the desk for signatures.
