By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
The Providence municipal courtroom was renamed Friday in honor of Chief Judge Emeritus Frank Caprio, who presided over traffic cases and other disputes for 38 years and brought fame to the city with his television show “Caught In Providence” which aired around the world.
“It’s a very emotional thing for me to say goodbye to this court,” Caprio, 86, told a crowd of family, friends, political figures and well-wishers too large to fit into the courtroom itself, but crowded into the lobby of the Providence Public Safety Complex.
“I enjoyed every minute of it. I tried my best. I thought I brought some delight to people who appeared before me. I hope I brought some credit to the court and to the City of Providence. I can’t tell you how happy I am for this event,” Caprio said.
Caprio stepped aside from the court earlier this year when some members of the City Council began asking questions about the syndication deal for his television show, which counted millions of viewers and social media followers around the world.
The hour-long ceremony was emceed by the man who suggested Caprio be appointed to the bench, former Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to Malta Joseph Paolino, who recounted how he mustered the votes of every city council member to win the post. He read notes from several viewers from around the world praising Caprio and his sensitive handling of people who appeared before the court.
Caprio himself told how, on his first day on the bench, his father who had come to see him, later upbraided him for dealing in a tough manner with a woman who reacted with fear to the court surroundings. He said he never acted in a harsh manner again, and often forgave fines for people who indicated they were facing financial difficulties.
Speakers, including Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley spoke of Caprio’s compassion when dealing with defendants going through difficult times.
“We love our city for so many reasons, but if I hear one more time Providence is a hidden gem… I don’t want it to be a hidden gem, I want it to be a well-known gem, and Judge Frank Caprio has put us on the map, and we are grateful for that,” Smiley said.
In addition to unveiling a sign over the courtroom doorway, Caprio revealed a plaque in his honor and a portrait that will hang in the courtroom.
