Middlesex Sheriff Deputies Graduate Teamsters Local 25 CDL Training Program

Teamsters Local 25 and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office are proud to announce the completion of a unique training opportunity for deputies.  Deputy Sheriffs Frank Reid and Chris Hardy each earned a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by completing the renowned truck driving program at the Teamsters Local 25 Training Center in Tewksbury earlier this year.  Adding these properly trained, CDL-certified drivers will allow the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office to continue providing key scenario-based training opportunities to local law enforcement partners via its Mobile Training Center (MTC).  

“Teamsters Local 25 is proud to partner with law enforcement and public safety agencies to provide this important driver training,” said Teamsters Local 25 President Sean M. O’Brien.  “Sheriff Koutoujian understands the importance of properly training his deputies and should be applauded for having the vision to recognize the value of having CDL-certified drivers for his department’s mission-critical transportation needs.”

With these certifications Deputies Reid and Hardy, who are assigned fulltime to provide training support aboard the MTC, will now also be able to transport the state-of-the-art trailer on as needed basis to police departments across Middlesex County.  In 2017 alone, nearly 20 local police departments utilized the MTC to conduct interactive, scenario-based firearms training.

“Having access to this training for our deputies is significant for us,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.  “The importance of having CDL-certified drivers cannot be overstated, both in terms of protecting public safety and allowing our deputies to better perform their mission.  The Teamsters Local 25 Training Program is well-respected across the nation for good reason and we are thankful for its support.”

In addition to preparing for the CDL road test, students at the Teamsters Local 25 Training Center have opportunities to earn other transportation-related credentials, including first aid, CPR, and licenses to operate hoisting machinery, such as backhoes and forklifts, and to handle or haul hazardous materials.  Drivers who graduate the program, often called “Teamsters University”, attain high paying jobs that include great benefits that come with union membership. In addition, Teamsters University is seeing a rapid increase in women participants. More than 20% of its CDL graduates are female, and that number is growing.

Teamsters Local 25 is the largest Teamsters’ union in New England with more than 12,500 members.  For more information about the Teamsters Local 25 Training Program, please visit www.teamsterslocal25.com/driver-training.html or call 978-851-4782.

###