NEWS

State police add 168 troopers to ranks with ceremony at DCU Center in Worcester

Craig S. Semon
Telegram & Gazette
State police recruits stand at attention on the floor of the DCU Center during their graduation on Thursday.

WORCESTER — The state expanded its police force Thursday, recognizing a 168-member training class during a graduation ceremony at the DCU Center. 

State Police Col. Christopher S. Mason, in congratulating the new troopers, offered advice and an order.

“It’s simple. It’s timeless. It’s direct. Do good,” Mason said. “Be that trooper that extends a helping hand. Be that trooper that protects the vulnerable. Be that trooper that never stops caring.”

Last year, the graduation ceremony was outdoors at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, due to COVID-19. This year, the graduation ceremony returned to its familiar home, the DCU Center.

Addressing a sea of dress blues adorned with shiny new shields, Gov. Charlie Baker led the graduating class through the oath of office. It was the agency's 86th recruit class. 

“This is in many ways a difficult time to be a public servant,” Baker said. “But I can say to all of you that you are prepared and you will be supported by so many who are here today and so many more in the community that will have an opportunity to benefit and see, firsthand, the very positive work that you will do on behalf of the people of the commonwealth.”

Lt. Gov. Karyn E. Polito pointed out that of the new troopers, 72 of them come from a municipal police service background, 43 have served in the U.S. armed forces, and 23 are women.

The Massachusetts State Police 86th Recruit Training Troop marches onto the floor of the DCU Center for their graduation Thursday.

“Each one of you is a committed, trained, educated, responsible, driven individual who cares deeply about the public’s safety,” Polito said.

Mason acknowledged that this year celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the creation of the uniformed branch of the Massachusetts State Police. The inaugural graduating class was 43.

“You, the 168 members of the 86th Recruit Training Troop, have proven yourself up to the challenge and earned the honor of wearing the troopers’ badge,” Mason said. “You are now called upon to perform in a matter that maintains your badge as a shining symbol of our collective commitment to help others.”

Giving the class address, Trooper Christine L. Verdolino of Medway pointed out that 216 recruits entered the Massachusetts State Police Academy. By the time it was over 22 weeks later, 48 recruits dropped out while the remaining 168 would go on to graduate.

“We looked like a shell-shocked band of misfits frantically trying to complete seemingly impossible tasks in seemingly impossible timelines,” Verdolino said. “But we are still here.”  

Several troopers were acknowledged with a series of 86th Recruit Training Troop awards.

Trooper Brett M. Salamon of Chicopee received two awards, the Capt. William V. Shimkus Trophy (for the highest overall GPA) and the Superintendent’s Award, in memory of Capt. of Detectives Martin A. Murphy.

Trooper John E. Officer of Southborough received the Firearms Proficiency Award.

Troopers Emmanuel Andujar of Holyoke and Danielle L. Doherty of Newton won the male and female physical fitness awards.

Six of the new troopers are from Worcester.  

Gov. Charlie Baker administers the oath of office to the new state troopers during their graduation at the DCU Center on Thursday.