NEWPORT, R.I. – Anthony J. Silva, director of the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy, will present the keynote and be inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Phi Sigma, Salve Regina’s chapter of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, when the university celebrates Law Day on Thursday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. in Bazarsky Lecture Hall, located in O’Hare Academic Center on Ochre Point Avenue.
Hosted by the administration of justice department, the theme of this 11th annual Law Day Observance is “Law in the 21st Century: Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenges.” In addition to Silva, newly appointed U.S. Marshal for the District of RI, Steve O’Donnell, will be inducted as an honorary alumni member into Alpha Phi Sigma.
Anthony J. Silva
Silva graduated from Bryant College in 1979 with a bachelor of science in criminal justice. He earned his master of science from Salve Regina in 1985.
He was a patrol officer in the Lincoln Police Department from October 1979 to July 1991 when he was promoted to sergeant. In February 1997, he became chief of police in Cumberland, where he served until April 2006. In January 2005, he also became director of the Emergency Management Agency in Cumberland.
Since February 2008, he has been director of the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy in Lincoln. He is involved in numerous community, civic, and professional activities, has earned many certifications in law enforcement, and is a highly sought after speaker and presenter. He is a 2009 alumni honorary inductee into Alpha Phi Sigma.
Steven G. O’Donnell
O’Donnell graduated from the University of New Haven in 1982 with a bachelor of science in administration of justice. He earned his master of science from Salve Regina in 1993.
He served for 23 years in many different capacities with the Rhode Island State Police, including as trooper, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and major. From May 2007 until November 2009, he served as lieutenant colonel, deputy superintendent, and chief of field operations.
In November 2009, he received the Presidential appointment as the United States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island and he currently serves in this capacity. As United States Marshal, his duties include the oversight of the entire United States Marshal’s Service in Rhode Island. He is responsible for supervision and management of all programs including admiralty, fugitive investigations, sex offender investigation, asset forfeiture, court and judicial security, witness protection, as well as prisoner transportation, custody and control, and interagency cooperation.
O’Donnell is the recipient of many awards, including the “TOP COP” Award from President William Clinton and the National “Trooper of the Year” for the North Atlantic Region. Most recently, he was nominated by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) for the Neil J. Houston Award for excellence in criminal justice.
A lecturer on various topics around the world, he is an adjunct faculty member at Salve Regina University and Roger Williams University.