Crime & Safety

Two Officers Promoted, One Completes Probation

The Johnston Police Department announced the promotion of two officers and the completion of probationary service for a third.

Two officers earned promotions to new ranks, and a third completed his probationary term, the department announced on Jan. 6.

Sgt. Matthew LeDuc was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and Ptlm. Mark Vieira advanced to the rank of sergeant during a ceremony held at the . Ptlm. Mario Menella, who joined the department last Jan. 7, completed his probation.

LeDuc is a 1986 graduate of Cumberland High School who started his career with the Johnston Police Department in 2001 after serving on the Rhode Island Airport Police force.

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In his seven years as a patrolman, LeDuc earned three department commendations, three department ribbons, and a Meritorious Conduct award. LeDuc was promoted to sergeant in 2008, served as supervisor for all three patrol shifts, and has been a member of the department's Special Response Team since 2006.

Vieira graduated from the state Municipal Police Academy and joined the department in 2004. A member of the second and third watch shifts with the patrol division, Vieira has also served as a field training officer since 2009.

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Vieira, a Johnston resident and graduate of LaSalle Academy, holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society.

Menella, a 1989 graduate of Johnston High School, transferred to the local department after serving five years in the Foster Police Department. Menella is a certified firearms instructor with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, a Cooper Institute physical fitness specialist, and a certified School Resource Officer.

Menella also volunteers as a firearms instructor at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy.

The promotions are the latest in a series of advancements for local officers following recent retirements from the force.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.