Cumberland's R. David Cruise Sworn In As RI Superior Court Judge

CUMBERLAND, RI – Cumberland resident R. David Cruise has been sworn in as the newest Rhode Island Superior Court judge, and Gov. Dan McKee administered the oath Saturday at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island. Cruise will replace former Superior Court Judge Bennett Gallo, who retired in February.

The two spent countless hours at the Cumberland-Lincoln clubhouse growing up, and Cruise is a dedicated lifelong member of the Boys & Girls Club, a release from the governor’s office stated.

"David is an honest, fair and thoughtful leader who brings decades of legal and government experience to the bench," said McKee in a statement. "From his days at the Boys & Girls Club, all the way to the Rhode Island Superior Court, David has always been a person of integrity with a passion for his community. I know he will serve our state well."

"I am honored to have been nominated and confirmed to the Rhode Island Superior Court and I look forward to continuing to serve the public in this new capacity," said Cruise. "Being sworn-in by Governor McKee at the Boys & Girls Club brings my life and career full circle. Growing up, the Governor and I both spent many days at the Boys & Girls Club – it is a privilege to take my oath at the place where it all began for me."

Cruise has a deep resume. In 1976, at the age of 19, he was elected to the Cumberland Town Council. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Providence College, and in 1984, voters sent him to the state senate for the first of four terms. In 1991 Cruise earned his law degree from Suffolk University and became chief of staff to former governor Bruce Sundlun. In 1993, President Bill Clinton named Cruise to lead intergovernmental affairs within the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

More recently, Cruise returned to private legal practice after serving as senior advisor and director of legislative affairs to former Governor Gina Raimondo. Prior to that, Cruise was an administrative magistrate with the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal, chief of staff to the Rhode Island Senate and legal counsel to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation.

The Rhode Island Superior Court is comprised of 22 judges and 5 magistrates. It is the forum for jury and non-jury trials of both civil and criminal matters. The court has original jurisdiction in all felony proceedings, in civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000, and in equity matters.

"It is an honor that David has chosen the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island's Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouse for his swearing in ceremony," said Gary Rebelo, the club’s president and CEO. "A member since childhood, David has been a lifelong advocate and friend of the club. David's accomplishments are truly an example of our motto 'Great futures start here.' We congratulate him today and wish him continued success."