Middlesex Sheriff James V. DiPaola takes great honor in informing you that Sheriff’s Office employee Deputy Mark O’Brien of the United States Army will be serving his country in Iraq. Mark will be deployed overseas in early March. In thanks and appreciation of his service, Sheriff DiPaola recognized Mark by hosting a sendoff luncheon on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 10:30am at the Sheriff’s Administrative Office in Medford, MA. 

 

Kenneth Forchielli, Massachusetts State Chair of the organization Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve was in attendance to facilitate and witness the signing of a declaration that pledges support for the men and women of the armed services. Also signing the document was Executive Vice President of Century Bank Barry Sloane. “This declaration is a simple yet powerful symbol of our commitment to those brave employees entering or continuing in their military service,” Sheriff DiPaola said of the signing of the declaration of support. “If young men and women are willing to sacrifice for America, we as employers must be willing to sacrifice for them.”

 

Also in attendance were State Representative Paul Donato, Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn, Medford City Councilman Paul Camuso and Medford Veteran’s Agent Earnest Lindsay. Mark O’Brien, a Medford native, was joined by his father Ed, mother Rosemary, sister Andrea, brother-in-law Dan and girlfriend Sarah.

 

The ceremony also lauded past and present members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office who have served their country in the military. Since 1996 when Sheriff DiPaola took office, 26 members of the organization have been activated. Seven current deputies who have served were in attendance to be recognized and to show their support for Mark. “Deputy Mark O’Brien and his comrades are the next generation of heroic men and women who serve their country with valor,” Sheriff DiPaola said. “They will carry on the revered military tradition that has secured the rights and freedoms of our great nation for centuries. Their loyalty to country and colleague is infallible; their fierce determination is unchained; and their genuine compassion for humanity perseveres no matter how many oceans they cross.”

 

For more information please contact Public Information Officer Michael Hartigan at 617-201-4054.

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