KINGSTON, Rhode Island — University of Rhode Island Police Cpl. Paul Hanrahan received ASIS International Rhode Island chapter’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award after more than two decades of community-policing and campus-safety work, according to the university.

URI reported that ASIS International presented Hanrahan with the award during its annual Public Safety Awards Dinner in May. The university said the recognition honors longtime law enforcement officers for dedicated local community service.

Community policing built through outreach

According to URI, Hanrahan joined the university police force in 2004 and has worked to build trust around the Kingston Campus through outreach, listening, safety training and service projects.

“It’s very flattering to receive this award because I love the job,” Hanrahan said, according to URI. “For ASIS International to recognize me out of all the different law enforcement agencies in the state, it’s really truly remarkable.”

URI said Hanrahan, a U.S. Air Force veteran, helped establish a coats-for-veterans program in 2024 with his family, URI students and Ocean State Job Lot. The university said the effort has supported Operation Stand Down and the VA Hospital in Providence with coats, socks, sweatshirts, hygiene products and other essentials.

“Cpl. Paul Hanrahan has made a true commitment to community policing and community outreach here at the University of Rhode Island,” URI Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police Michael Jagoda said, according to the university.

Toy drives, food support and safety training

The university said Hanrahan has overseen URI Police’s annual “Stuff the Cruiser” toy drive, which marked its 10th year in December and collects toys, clothing, nonperishable food, toiletries and other donations for local organizations and URI’s Rhody Outpost food pantry.

URI also credited Hanrahan and Chief Jagoda with launching active-shooter training courses in 2018 for URI students, faculty and staff as well as nearby schools and police departments. The university said Hanrahan also leads URI Police’s Stop the Bleed course, training community members in tourniquet use and emergency bleeding control.

“I might be the face of community policing, but it takes all of us working together to create a welcoming environment,” Hanrahan said, according to URI.

For Support Law Enforcement readers, Hanrahan’s recognition is a reminder that police work is not only measured in emergency calls. Community trust, donated coats, toy drives, food-pantry support and practical safety training can be part of the same public-safety mission.

Sources reviewed

Editorial note: ThinBlueNews used the university’s official report and real URI source photo with attribution. No AI-generated police, rescue or incident imagery was used.