Town Donates Car To Pink Heals Women's Center

Mayor Joseph M. Polisena made a special presentation on March 30 — the town's donation of a former police cruiser to the Pink Heals Women's Center charity.

Named "Anna," in honor of Anna Mazzulla, the now pink car will be used to escort the pink fire engine that is already part of the Pink Heals fleet.

Most of Anna Mazzulla's eight children, including town Recreation Director Dan Mazzulla, attended the ceremony at , and were the first people to sign their names and write messages on the vehicle.

"We had already taken the car to several events, and people had asked to sign the car while it was still blank," explained Matt Medeiros, a Central Coventry firefighter and organizer of Pink Heals. "We respectfully declined and told them she must be dedicated by the family of Anna Mazzulla."

Medeiros also made a point to thank Johnston Police Ptlm. Charles Psilopoulos, also the town's School Resource Officer, who was instrumental in getting the car donated.

Central Coventry Chief Bob Seltzer, who recently served on the selection committee for new Johnston Fire Chief Timothy McLaughlin, explained that the new car is a perfect complement to the engine already being used by the nonprofit agency.

"Thanks to (Police) Chief (Richard) Tamburini, we now have a police car that can escort the fire truck," Seltzer said.

In the accompanying video, Polisena explains the process of donating the vehicle and naming it after Mrs. Mazzulla; members of the Mazzulla family — Dan, Kristen, Donna, and Lori Cardillo — write the first messages on the vehicle; and Lois Marandola speaks about what her mom may have thought about the honor.