KENNETH J. VINACCO
Kenny began his distinguished career with the Providence Police Department on October 10, 1980 as part of the 47th Police Academy Recruit Class. Over his 40 years of dedicated service, he held numerous assignments showcasing his versatility and expertise. Starting in the Patrol Bureau, Kenny quickly established himself as a skilled instructor at the Police Academy from 1983 to 1987, specializing in physical fitness and police defensive tactics. His proficiency led him to the Weapons Bureau, where he served from 1987 to 2000 before earning a well-deserved promotion to Sergeant on February 14, 2000. Kenny’s career continued to flourish as he transitioned to the Homeland Security Division in 2005, taking on the critical role of Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Providence Police Marine Unit. His leadership abilities shone brightly when he assumed the position of Acting Providence Harbormaster from 2005 to May 2011, followed by his official appointment as Providence Harbormaster in May 2011, a role he held until his retirement. Simultaneously, Kenny commanded the Providence Police Weapons Bureau from July 10, 2011, and remained an integral part of the Special Response Unit from 1983 until his retirement, serving as the Deputy Commanding Officer and Training Instructor. His commitment to education was evident in his achievement of a Bachelor of Science Degree from Roger William’s College in December 2003. Kenny’s expertise extended beyond the police department, as he actively participated in various affiliations, including serving as president of the Rhode Island Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors from 1998 to 2000. He also held memberships in the National Rifle Association, Monadnock Training Council, Rhode Island Harbormasters Association, and served as a committee member for the Boy Scouts of America.
Kenny’s dedication to professional development is exemplified by his extensive list of special certifications, ranging from instructor qualifications in defensive tactics, firearms, and officer survival to his Black Belt in Uechi Ryu Karate. His military background further enhanced his skill set, with service in the US Coast Guard Reserve from 1987 to 1990 and the Rhode Island National Guard from 1990 to 2011, retiring as a First Sergeant. Kenny’s military experience included deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Iraq, as well as completing various military schools and courses. After an illustrious career spanning four decades, Kenny retired from the Providence Police Department on December 32, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment, leadership, and expertise in law enforcement and public service.
Providence Police Recruit Class Number: 47th
Date of Appointment: 101080
Assignments Since Appointed to the Providence Police Department:
- Patrol Bureau
- Police Academy Instructor: physical fitness, Police Defensive Tactics; 1983 to 1987
- Patrol Bureau Task Force
- Weapons Bureau 1987 to 2000
- Promoted to Sergeant February 14, 2000
- Homeland Security Division 2005 to Present
- OIC Providence Police Marine Unit 2005 to Present
- Providence Harbor Master Acting, 2005 to May 2011.
- Official Providence Harbormaster May 2011 to Present
- Commanding Officer Providence Police Weapons Bureau July 10, 2011 to Present
- Special Response Unit 1983 to Present
- Special Response Team Deputy Commanding Officer
- Training Instructor
- Retired, December 32, 2019, 40 Years of Service
Civilian Education/Degrees
Bachelor of Science Degree Roger William’s College, December 2003
Affiliations
- Rhode Island Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors, (president 1998 to 2000)
- National Rifle Association
- Monadnock Training Council
- Rhode Island Harbormasters Association
- Boy Scouts of America Committee Member
Special Certifications:
- Monadnock, International PR-24 Side handle Baton Instructor (2000)
- Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, International Instructor (2000)
- Monadnock Expandable and Straight Baton, International Instructor
- Casco Side Handle and Straight Baton Senior Instructor
- Oleoresin Capsicum (Capstun) Instructor, Larry Smith Enterpirses
- Edged Weapon Awareness and Spontaneous Knife Defense Instructor
- Black Belt (Shodan) Uechi Ryu Karate (1980)
- Certified Counter Sniper (Instructor GYSGTCarlos Hathcock II USMC Ret.) (April 1987)
- Certified Range 2000 operator
- Glock Firearms Instructor and Armorer
- Beretta Firearms Instructor and Armorer
- Federal Bureau of Investigation pistol sub-machine gun, and shotgun instructor
- Smith and Wesson M&P 40, Armorer
- Smith and Wesson Patrol Rifle Instructor
- Smith and Wesson M&P Rifle Armorer
- Active Shooter Instructor
- NRA Firearms Instructor
Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council:
- Firearms Instructor
- Defensive Tactics Instructor
- Officer Survival Instructor
- Physical Fitness Instructor
- Cooper Fitness Instructor
Scotti School of Defensive Driving, Instructor
- 95 B (Military Police Instructor) Rhode Island Military Academy (Rhode Island Training Academy)
- Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400, 700
- Active Shooter, FEMA Online Course 2011
Military Background
- US Coast Guard Reserve 1987 to 1990
- Port security Special Response Team, Firearms Instructor
- Rhode Island National Guard 1990 to 2011
- Retired; First Sergeant
- Last Position Held: Course Manager Military Police School, Regional Training Institute, Camp Varnum, Narragansett
- Military Schools:
- Battle Focus Instructor Trainer Course (BFITC)
- Preliminary Leadership Development Course
- Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course
- Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course
- Special Response Team Course
- Deployments:
- Guantanamo ,Bay Cuba April 2002 to December 2002
- Iraq, September, 2007 to July 2008