The Providence Journal/Bob Breidenbach
In this March 3, 2012, photo, Tony L. Lepore, aka "The Dancing Cop," performs during Pawtucket's annual St. Patrick's Day parade.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence's "Dancing Cop" will be back on his post today, heralding the beginning of the Christmas season in the capital city.
Tony Lepore, a retired Providence police officer and self-taught dancer, has been whirling and twirling on the corner of Dorrance and Westminster streets to the beats of his "Thunder" whistle since 1984 -- minus a brief post-retirement hiatus. He returned to his former beat at the request of then Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci and has been at his usual spot every year, directing traffic with calisthenics theatrics on an abridged schedule: 12 to 1:30 p.m. weekdays.
Photos and greetings are allowed; but remember, traffic safety comes first. One misstep and Lepore will order you back to the curb.
-- With archival reports