Emilio John “Emo” Sabitoni has seen and done it all during his 45-year plus career with the Johnston Police Department.

Sabitoni started his law enforcement career in Johnston in 1968 as a special officer working details at a liquor establishment and climbed the ladder to the rank of sergeant.

“I rode as a partner with various officers of the four to midnight shift, responding to calls stemming from keeping the peace to domestic assaults and various other criminal offenses,” he recalled. “As time went by, I had the opportunity to become a full-time officer.”

“On the 27th day of September back in 1971, I was sworn in as a full-time Johnston Police officer,” said Sabitoni, adding, “That was the proudest day of my life.” Even today – some 45 years later – Sabitoni shows the same enthusiasm he did as a rookie and has no intentions of hanging up his badge. When asked how much longer he’ll actually work for the JPD, the 75-year-old quickly stated, “As long as I can; they’re going to have to carry me out of here!”

In what could be considered a career twist, Sabitoni works three days per week in the Prosecution Division, a unit he once directed after his promotion to sergeant.

“The Johnston Police Department is my second home,” said Sabitoni, who is married to the former LouAnn Norcini. “I love every minute of this job, and I want to thank Mayor Joseph Polisena and Chief Richard Tamburini for their support and allowing me to continue with my position as a special officer.”

Perhaps the word “special” goes hand-in-hand with much of Sabitoni’s life, both as a law enforcement official and his ongoing work with various charities, most notably raising money for groups that help children who are battling cancer and the award-winning Meeting Street School.

“I love the job I do and feel great knowing I can help someone in need,” Sabitoni said.

His voice cracking with emotion, he shared a letter he calls “the highlight of my law enforcement career.” Back in May 1983 when Sabitoni was a corporal, a letter was delivered to the JPD headquarters off Atwood Avenue by a special courier.

“It was official business and from the White House,” Sabitoni remembered. “It was from President Ronald Regan…at first, I thought it was a joke from my friends but it turned out to be real and was delivered by an official government carrier.”

The letter was prompted by Mrs. Charles T. Toomey, wife of a prominent doctor who had ties to the White House and whose home had been vandalized.

“I recently received a very nice letter from a grateful son,” Reagan wrote. “He told me of care and concern you had shown for Mrs. Toomey during the time you were investigating the act of vandalism which took place in her home. It was enough for her to have had to bear the shock of knowing that her home was violated and that her personal safety was in jeopardy, and so your calming attitude went a long way in restoring her peace of mind. Bless you for this act of kindness, you are a credit to your department and our country.”

Service has been a trend throughout Sabitoni’s 46 years of policing and going from patrolman first class to patrolman third class to corporal to sergeant during a career that has the first, second and third JPD shifts. He’ll quickly point out that working the busy 4 to 12 midnight post taught him a lot in the 18 years he held down that post.

When Sabitoni was promoted to corporal, he took on other duties such as starting the first crime watch in the Town of Johnston that included converting a one-time rescue vehicle into a mobile crime lab. He also served as the JPD’s training officer, report review officer, internal affairs officer and officer friendly, responding to all schools in town speaking to the children about everything from safety to and from school and during events such as trick or treating. Sabitoni has also worked at the RI Municipal Police Academy helping new recruits.

Sabitoni has two children, Mrs. RI Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian and Steven Emilio Sabitoni, both employed by the Laborers International Union. He’s also proud of his three grandchildren, George, Miss Teen RI Giavanna and Victoria Sabitoni.

There’s yet another side – and accompanying nickname – that perhaps best describes JPD Sgt. Emilio John “Emo” Sabitoni. Perhaps it’s fitting the Screamin’ Eagles motorcycle group – not club –nicknamed Sabitoni “The Rhode Captain.” After all, he’s logged countless miles as a law enforcement officer and continues to ride for cancer-related charities and on Saturday evening, Jan. 28, will make a trip to the Meeting Street School, where he and his daughter and friends will present a check for over $3,000.