Largest State Police Class in MA History Honored in Worcester

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Saturday, March 10, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Officers outside the DCU Center after the ceremony.

Worcester played host to the first Massachusetts State Police Academy graduation since 2006 in a ceremony at the DCU Center on Friday.

Governor Duval Patrick and Lt. Governor Tim Murray were both in attendance as the 80th Recruit Training Troop officially became officers. In all, 208 trainees were promoted to the rank of trooper, the largest class in state history, and several did not need to travel far for the ceremony.

Many of the newest troopers hailed from Central Massachusetts, including officers are Matthew T. Baird of Spencer, Alexander W. Berry of Southbridge, Christopher M. Boudreau of Northbridge, Derek J. Cormier of Bellingham and Rafael Cazares of Shrewsbury. Along with newly sworn-in officers from around the Commonwealth, these troopers will help increase the presence of a police force that is down 500 members from its high-point in 2006.

“This is the most prepared, well-trained class the State Police has ever graduated,” Public Safety Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan said. “They are sorely needed within the ranks of the Department and in the communities they will serve, and we are anxious for their tours of duty to get under way.”

The class also has a strong veteran presence. Of the 208 graduating troopers, 103 are veterans of the United States Armed Forces. 80 of those have served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan or both.

“This class includes almost a majority of veterans, some of which have served most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Lt. Governor Murray said. “I am proud to join the Governor in honoring all members of this class as they move forward together and protect out communities across our Commonwealth.”

These latest members of the State Police Department will now enter into a three-week “break-in” period where they will be assigned to road patrols with a field training officer. The new officers will increase police presence on state highways and roads, as all will begin their careers as road troopers.