State police official confirmed as US Marshal

PROVIDENCE—The U.S. Senate has unanimously confirmed a 23-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police as U.S. Marshal for the district of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse on Thursday praised the bipartisan confirmation of Lt. Col. Steven O’Donnell.

Reed and Whitehouse reccomended the deputy superintendent of the state police force to President Barack Obama. On Aug. 7, Obama nominated O’Donnell, saying has served his country with courage and commitment.

U.S. Marshals supervise federal courthouse security, witness protection, the apprehension of fugitives and the transport of federal prisoners. They serve for four years.