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Dancing cop stops holiday traffic in Rhode Island

In this Dec. 13, 2012 photo former Providence Police Department office Tony Lepore directs traffic at an intersection on Dorrance Street in Providence, RI. Lepore is know as the dancing cop because of his energetic and rhythmic style of moving vehicles and pedestrians through an intersection. (Stephan Savoia / Associated Press)
In this Dec. 13, 2012 photo former Providence Police Department office Tony Lepore directs traffic at an intersection on Dorrance Street in Providence, RI. Lepore is know as the dancing cop because of his energetic and rhythmic style of moving vehicles and pedestrians through an intersection. (Stephan Savoia / Associated Press)
Rodrique Ngowi Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Nothing says Christmas in Rhode Island’s largest city quite like the “dancing cop.”

Providence Police Officer Tony Lepore is as much a holiday tradition as anything else in the state that issued the first jail sentence for speeding more than 100 years ago.

Since 1984, he has entertained drivers, pedestrians and gawkers with dance moves in downtown Providence while directing traffic.

The 65-year-old Lepore says it’s been hard on his body but worth it. Residents and tourists alike agree he has become a Providence icon.