Seven new members were recently inducted into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame but one caused us to stop and smile.
The 2018 class includes late Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Walter Stone, late Central Falls Police Chief Joseph Stetkiewicz and late Rhode Island State Police Maj. Lionel Benjamin.
But the addition of current Providence Police Chief Col. Hugh Clements was refreshing and brought hope that true leaders are still being recognized.
Clements said the honor was a complete surprise to him.
“In my wildest dream, I never thought when I came on in 1985 I would ever stand here and be in the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame,” Clements said.
Clements said that the induction was not about him but the city that he serves.
Travis Yates, Founder of the Courageous Leadership Institute, calls Clements one of the few courageous leaders among so many that should be looking at him for direction and guidance.
“Colonel Clements has shown time and time again that leading with a moral compass and supporting good police officers can be done, despite any rhetoric from others,” Yates told us.
Yates often cites examples of Clements in his Courageous Leadership Courses and calls him a leader that we should all look up to.
“His induction into the Hall of Fame should show others that you can lead with courage and be recognized as the best of the best,” Yates said.