Press Release: 4/10/2026

Beyond the Academy: MPTC Student Officers Step into Service Through Community Engagement

 



Future Officers Give Back to Communities Across the State 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



4/09/2026



MEDIA CONTACT



Kayla Rosario-Muñoz, Director of Communications



 Phone



Call Kayla Rosario-Muñoz, Director of Communications at 339-837-1048



 Online



Email Kayla Rosario-Muñoz, Director of Communications at Kayla.Rosario-Munoz@mass.gov



Student officers running out of the ocean water at a polar plunge event.



RANDOLPH — Student officers at the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) academies have spent the winter and early spring months demonstrating that law enforcement training extends beyond the academy and into the communities. Through a series of volunteer initiatives, student officers organized and participated in service events that gave back to local communities and built meaningful connections with residents. 



The volunteer efforts reflect MPTC’s broader approach to training officers who understand that effective policing depends not only on preparedness, but also on trust, service, and strong community relationships.



“Community-centered policing is a core component of training and building positive relationships starts here. These experiences allow student officers to step outside of the traditional training environment and engage with their communities.” said MPTC Executive Director Colonel Rick Rathbun (Ret.).



Earlier this winter, student officers across multiple MPTC academies participated in Polar Plunge events benefiting Special Olympics. At one event the MPTC-NECC Academy student officers earned recognition as the top fundraising team, raising more than $2,000 in support of athletes. At a separate event student officers from the MPTC Plymouth Academy took part, collectively raising an impressive $15,000 to support Special Olympic athletes. These events not only raised important funds but also strengthened the student officers’ understanding of community partnerships. 



Student officers pose at a polar plunge event



MPTC-NECC Student Officers at the Saugus Polar Plunge Event



As spring approached, student officers at the MPTC Lynnfield Academy organized and hosted an Easter egg hunt for local children and families. The event featured games, candy, face painting, and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny. Families from surrounding communities attended, creating an opportunity for student officers to engage with residents in a positive and welcoming environment.



MPTC-NECC student officers also organized a donation drive to benefit youth at a local Boys and Girls Club. In appreciation for the organization allowing the class to utilize its pool for water safety training, student officers collected and donated sports equipment and backpacks for youth.



“Working in public safety includes service, partnership, and presence in our communities.” said Deputy Executive Director Captain Amy Fanikos (Ret.) When student officers organize or participate in events like these, they are learning firsthand the importance of connecting with residents, supporting community organizations, and finding ways to contribute beyond their formal training.”



Student officers pose with an Easter Bunny at a Easter Egg Hunt Event



Two student officers pose in front of a police vehicle's open trunk area that has been decorated with an Easter theme.



MPTC Lynnfield Academy Student Officers Host Easter Egg Hunt Event



Community engagement initiatives are offered throughout the academy experience to encourage student officers to understand the diverse communities they will serve and to recognize the many ways law enforcement professionals can contribute outside of traditional policing duties.



As the training year continues, student officers will participate in additional service opportunities designed to strengthen community relationships and reinforce the values of service, partnership and leadership.