While the 10 members of Fitchburg State University’s seventh police program cohort continue their summer academy training, campus leaders welcomed family members this week to give them insights into what their sons and daughters are experiencing.
The members of the 7th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) completed their bachelor’s degrees in May and days later began a rigorous 17-week academy that includes skills training, physical conditioning and additional coursework. In September, they will cross the stage at Weston Auditorium as certified police officers ready to report for duty at municipal departments in Massachusetts and neighboring states. Most of them have already been hired.
The orientation program allowed family and friends of the recruits a chance to meet the academy staff and other university leaders who described the program and its blend of academic and tactical development.
Auburn Police Sgt. Dan Lamoreaux said the academy’s drill instructors include police officers with an average of 18 years’ experience, and a combined 129 years of service to the profession. He said the solid educational foundation the members of Fitchburg State’s program have received is apparent.
“They are the smartest recruits I have ever seen,” Sgt. Lamoreaux said.
Academy Director Ola Wysocki thanked the family members for the support they continue to offer their students, and reminded them they will need it as they enter a stressful but rewarding profession. “Thank all of you, because their (career) choice affects all of you for the rest of their lives,” she said. “Thank you for supporting them and their goals for the betterment of all of us.”
Among the family members in attendance were Richard and Susan Lee of Billerica, whose son, Robert, is a member of the 7th ROC. He will be the fourth generation of his family to serve the profession.
“He’s wanted this since he was 14,” said Richard Lee, a retired police officer from UMass Boston and Northeastern University police departments. His father and grandfather were members of the Boston Police Department.
“We’re proud of him,” said Susan Lee, who was also a police officer at UMass Boston before raising her children.
The 7th ROC will graduate on Friday, Sept. 13.