Left to right: Providence Police Chief Colonel Dean M. Esserman; Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P., President of Providence College; Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline; Providence City Councilwoman Carol A. Romano; Providence City Councilmen Peter S. Mancini and Terrence M. Hassett; and John J. Lombardi, President of the Providence City Council.

Providence, RI - The Providence Police Department opened its ninth and final Community Police Station on February 27, 2004 in a facility owned by Providence College that was renovated and donated for this purpose. The District Seven Station will serve residents in the Elmhurst, Smith Hill, Wanskuck and Charles neighborhoods. It is located at 206 Camden Avenue, a short walk from the Providence College campus.

Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, Providence Police Chief Colonel Dean M. Esserman, Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, and Providence College President Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P. joined Providence City Council officials, College students and administrators, and area neighbors at the opening ceremonies.

"Providence College cannot be unaware of or unconcerned about the welfare of the City of Providence and the Elmhurst neighborhood where we labor and live," said Father Smith. He added, "The opening of the District Seven Police Station in the heart of our neighborhood will not only strengthen the bonds between Providence College students and their Elmhurst neighbors, but it also will provide a secure atmosphere where the relationship can flourish."

Father Smith went on to note the many ways Providence College students work to improve the neighborhood. "We are proud that Providence College students have found many creative and helpful ways to express our care and concern. Through volunteer service programs like Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April, Urban Action, and the "Adopt-a-Street" initiatives of the Student Congress and student athletes, they work to improve the homes and lives of our neighbors. They tutor neighborhood children at the Robert F. Kennedy, Harry Kazarian and Veazie Street Elementary Schools, and the Smith Hill Library. They bring their hands and hearts to many other worthwhile service projects throughout the area."

"With the opening of District Seven, we have successfully brought community policing to every single neighborhood of our City," said Mayor Cicilline in his remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It would not have been possible without the generosity and civic spirit of Providence College, and especially of Father Smith," he continued. Mayor Cicilline also mentioned the "incredible support" demonstrated by Providence College students and the Student Congress; Congress members will serve as volunteers providing clerical and telephone support at the facility.

Left to right: RI State Senator Maryellen Goodwin; Providence Police Chief Colonel Dean M. Esserman; Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P., President of Providence College; Andrea Essner '04, Student Congress President; Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline; State Representative John J. McCauley, Jr.; and Lieutenant Steven A. Casbarro, District Seven Station Commander.

"The evidence is clear, community policing is already having a positive impact on our city by helping to reduce crime," said Mayor Cicilline, citing recent crime statistics, which show a double-digit drop in violent crime in Providence. "The presence of additional police officers in our neighborhoods is helping our residents feel safe and I am certain the officers of District Seven will become an integral part of this neighborhood, building strong relationships with the residents they've sworn to protect."

"Today marks the completion of a promise made by Mayor Cicilline, and the decentralization of our police department throughout the entire city," said Chief Esserman. "We are proud of the work that the men and women of our department have accomplished in this district. With the opening of a new home, and through the generosity of Providence College, we will now take up full time residence to serve the neighborhood, business, and academic communities. This is a wonderful commitment from Providence College and we are grateful for this gift from the College."

Providence City Councilman Terrence M. Hassett, whose district includes the Smith Hill neighborhood, also commended Providence College's commitment. Noting that the relationship between the College and its neighbors had improved significantly under the guidance of Father Smith, he said, "Providence College is going to be a full community partner. This is a great beginning for us."

District Seven is under the command of Lieutenant Steven A. Casbarro, a two-time recipient of the prestigious Chief's Award.  Casbarro will have twenty-four officers under his command, including three sergeants.  The 19-year veteran of the Providence Police Department is well familiar with the neighborhood: he grew up on Camden Avenue.

The building housing the District Seven Community Police Station was constructed in the early 1900's in the distinctive "triangle" architecture style, a design used when builders needed to fit a structure onto an odd-shaped lot. It was purchased by Providence College several years ago.

The College funded renovations to the building including all new windows, mechanical and electrical systems, roof soffits, and vinyl shingle siding. Improvements also were made to the parking lot, fencing, and fire alarm and communications systems. The building is now fully accessible by a newly-installed entrance ramp.

Remodeling inside the building was specifically designed to accommodate the Police Department's particular use of the facility as a neighborhood police station. The College will reserve use of the second floor's three-bedroom apartment for future purposes.

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