 The Rhode Island Senate and House of Representatives approved resolutions declaring Friday, April 29, as World Wish Day in Rhode Island.
The resolutions were sponsored by the Majority Leaders of the two legislative chambers – Sen. Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, Providence, North Providence) and Rep. Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston) – and approved unanimously in both chambers.
Police officers from several police departments across the state were in attendance at the House and Senate sessions as a symbolic reminder of the child whose wish inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Seven-year-old Chris Greicius from Arizona was suffering from leukemia in 1980 when law enforcement officers heard about his wish to be a police officer. Chris got a police helicopter ride to the Arizona Department of Public Safety headquarters for a tour, a ride in a patrol car and a ceremony making him the first, and only, honorary state patrolman in state history.
The resolution “encourages and applauds the efforts of the Make-A-Wish volunteers who bring great joy to the difficult struggle that these children and their families courageously face” and for “enriching the human experience with hope, strength and joy.”
Photo caption: From left to right are Chief Edward Mello - Westerly, Chief John Desmarais - Cumberland, Chief Joseph Tavares - East Providence, Lt. Daniel Barzyowski - Central Falls, Officers John Randal and Justin Vachon - Richmond, Chief Lance Herbert - Portsmouth, Chief Bryan Volpe - Central Falls, Chief Jamie Hainsworth - MADD RI, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Regional Director Paula Montgomery and Wish Ambassador Julia Sampaio.
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