PRELACY HONOREE DAVID TIKOIAN JOINS RHODE ISLAND SENATE LEADERSHIP

Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has selected Sen. David Tikoian of Smithfield, a retired major in the Rhode Island State Police, as the new Senate majority whip. The decision, made amid weeks of internal discussions, places Tikoian in a key leadership role as Ruggerio’s trusted advisor. 

The position of majority whip, which includes responsibilities such as tallying votes before bills reach the Senate floor, aligns with Tikoian’s current role within Ruggerio’s leadership team. The appointment follows a failed attempt by some senators to replace Ruggerio as Senate president after the recent elections. 

Tikoian, who served in the Rhode Island State Police for 23 years, retiring as Major/Chief Administrative Officer, was honored as Man of the Year in 2023 by the Eastern Prelacy. In his acceptance speech, Tikoian, a longtime parishioner of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Providence, acknowledged “the incredibly, profound honor to be recognized with this meaningful award,” adding that “I cannot accept this honor alone, because I have been incredibly blessed to be surrounded and supported by loving family, friends and spiritual leaders during my life who have guided and mentored me to always do the right thing and make good choices.” 

In addition to his law enforcement career, Tikoian served as North Providence Police Chief from 2017 to 2020 and is currently Deputy General Manager of the Providence Water Supply Board.  

Ruggerio praised Tikoian’s professionalism, saying, “David is a dedicated public servant of the highest integrity and a true statesman. He comports himself in a professional, forthright, genuine, and courteous manner in all his interactions. I am pleased to welcome him into this important role in our leadership team.”