MSO IN TRAINING...

 

The 34th Basic Training Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 1:

MONDAY  On Monday, February 25, 2008 the 34th Basic Training Academy started their 22 week journey bright and early at the Ditson School in Billerica.  Sharply at 6:00am, the recruits received a wakeup call unlike any other.  Their nervous anticipation was sliced by the sudden, sharp orders barked out by Deputy Chaput, Captian Massa, Officer Crane, Officer Crowley, and Officer Balian.            

After fumbling into a lineup, recruits were addressed on their attire and given their physical training (PT) clothes.  Attentive and eager, the recruits soaked in the onslaught of energy brought on by the Training Academy staff. Sheriff DiPaola arrived to welcome the 34th Academy Class and shared some words of wisdom and encouragement.  He challenged each individual to persevere and complete the 34th Basic Training Academy.  The class then traveled to Medford to the Tufts University Gymnasium.  Each recruit took part in physical training.  Many struggled, but no one gave up.  Determination and perseverance won the day.

 

TUESDAY  Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM was day one of PT at Cawley Stadium in Lowell.  The bitter cold did not hold them back.  Immersed in harsh winter weather, recruits looked like they were training for the Iditarod rather than the Academy.  Recruits had to complete their physical requirements.  PT is a daily, ongoing training regimen designed to put recruits in top physical condition, necessary to handle the day to day stresses of being a correction officer. After physical training was completed, the group headed back to Billerica where they held class introductions.  Each Training Academy instructor introduced themselves followed by each recruit introducing themselves to the rest of the class.  They described why they were there, what they hoped to accomplish and shared with everyone their interests, hobbies and family life.  This activity fosters solidarity and teamwork among the recruits and staff. 

 

WEDNESDAY  Deputy Dave Ellison paid a visit to the Training Academy and conducted Drill & Ceremony on Wednesday.  He taught them about proper dress, commands, and how to stand in formation.  Deputy Ellison reinforced discipline, order and regulation.  This lesson further played off from Monday’s muster.  All knew what was expected of them, and all were very attentive.

 

THURSDAY Superintendent Ed Burns briefed the class on the extensive and culturally significant history of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.  In the afternoon, the class learned the frequently used procedure of report writing.

 

FRIDAY The recruits had a change of scenery and a dose of reality with their tour of the Middlesex House of Correction in Billerica.  Superintendent Patrick Murphy shared some encouraging words during the tour.  Along the way other Sheriff’s Office staff members advised the group on specific aspects of the job.  Recruits experienced firsthand a day in the life of a correctional officer.