Middletown residents honored by Middletown City Council and Police Department

The Middletown Police Department announced today in a press release that the City of Middletown will recognize one of its citizens during the City Council meeting on September 3, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

“83-year-old Ronald Kobayashi purchased his home on Oliphant Ln in Middletown in 1973. He and his late wife Joan raised their three daughters in this home, where Mr. Kobayashi still lives today. In 2005, Mr. Kobayashi began walking his dog on Oliphant Ln.,” Middletown Police said.

“It was during these walks that he noticed trash accumulating on the side of the road and he took it upon himself to pick it up. He continued these walks several days a week for several years and maintained his commitment to keeping the area clean. In 2015, Mr. Kobayashi underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery and thereafter made these walks a part of his daily routine as part of his recovery,” Middletown police said.

“Every morning, Ronald Kobayashi can be found on Oliphant Ln. in Middletown, Rhode Island, wearing his high-visibility traffic vest and holding a bag of street trash. In addition to cleaning the streets, he takes it upon himself to pick up overturned trash cans and place discarded newspapers on his neighbors' front steps. He waves to each passerby, conveying a sense of community and giving them a smile. Many commuters stop and chat, honk their horns, or simply wave back to thank him for his commitment to improving the area,” says Middletown Police.

Ronald Kobayashi will be honored with a plaque from the Police Department and a proclamation from the City Council recognizing and recognizing his commitment to the City of Middletown and its residents. The ceremony will be held on September 3, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Middletown City Hall located at 350 East Main Road in Middletown.