PROVIDENCE, RI - United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today announced they have recommended that President Barack Obama nominate state police Lieutenant Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell to be the next U.S. Marshal for Rhode Island.

"Lieutenant Colonel O'Donnell is a dedicated public servant and an outstanding police officer. He brings a proven record of experience, integrity, and independence to the job and we are confident he will serve Rhode Island and the nation with distinction," said Reed and Whitehouse.

U.S. Marshals play an important and versatile role in the federal justice system, overseeing federal courthouse security, witness protection, the apprehension of federal fugitives, and the transport of federal prisoners. They are appointed by the President and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a four-year term of service.

Lieutenant Colonel O'Donnell has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, including 22 years with the Rhode Island State Police, two years with the North Kingstown Police, and one year with the Department of Corrections. In 2007, Governor Carcieri named then-Major O'Donnell as the Acting Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.

Lieutenant Colonel O'Donnell is a decorated officer who has received 48 commendations from the Rhode Island State Police throughout his career and numerous awards and honors, including being named one of ten "Top Cops" nationwide by President Bill Clinton in 1995 and "Trooper of the Year" for the North Atlantic Region in 1996. He holds degrees in the Administration of Justice from the University of New Haven (B.S.) and Salve Regina University (M.S.).

It is customary for the President to ask U.S. Senators and members of Congress for recommendations for U.S. Marshal appointments, although ultimately the President nominates a candidate who must then be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.