42nd Basic Training Academy class takes oath, joins ranks of Middlesex Sheriff’s Office
Nearly 200 people gathered in the Stoneham Town Hall auditorium on Friday, December 7, to watch twenty-four men and women be sworn in as the newest members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO).
“The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has a storied history spanning over three centuries, and you join its ranks at a time of incredible progress and opportunity,” Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian told the newly-minted officers. “This agency – our agency – has been recognized nationally for a wide number of innovative programs. These initiatives succeed because of the talent and work ethic of our officers, those who see a population in need and seek to help, and our future remains bright because of the energy and commitment each of you will bring to this endeavor.”
Former Boston Police Department Commissioner Edward F. Davis provided keynote remarks at the graduation ceremony. As the former Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department, Commissioner Davis noted the evolving responsibilities of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
“Public safety is about public service, and few exemplify that as well as Sheriff Koutoujian and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office” said Commissioner Davis. “In choosing this career path, each of you have committed to something larger than yourselves. Beginning today, you have the opportunity to serve an organization committed to the highest ideals of integrity and excellence.”
The ceremony also featured welcoming remarks from State Representative Michael S. Day (D – Stoneham) who shared the appreciation of his hometown for those who swore an oath to public safety.
“I thank all of the men and women who made this commitment to public service today,” said Representative Day. “I am confident that the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, already a national leader and a model for other offices in Massachusetts and throughout the country, will be further strengthened because of the talents and dedication these new officers will bring to the job. I was honored to welcome them to our hometown for this ceremony.”
District Attorney Marian Ryan and Stoneham’s Acting Town Administrator Debora Pettengill also attended the ceremony. The 42nd Academy graduation marked the eighth during Sheriff Koutoujian’s seven-year tenure, with over 275 academy-trained officers joining the ranks of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office in that time.
Those who graduated Friday received 12 weeks of classroom and practical training focused on interpersonal communications, corrections and criminal justice systems, transportation procedures, defensive tactics, firearms and first responder training, among other areas. Graduates had to successfully pass classroom, physical fitness and firearms tests, and participate in on the job training at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction.
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