Eighth class of police recruits graduates
Pride filled Weston Auditorium on the Fitchburg State University campus on Friday, as the university held the graduation of its latest police academy cohort, almost all of whom have been hired by municipal police departments across Massachusetts.
The 8th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) members proudly completed the groundbreaking police program that blends academic and tactical training, allowing graduates to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with full certification to work in municipal police departments in just five years.
The program was developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Commission (MPTC).
Class leader Brody Tapply reminded all his classmates of how far they’ve come in this journey and everything they’ve learned throughout this process.
“I want you all to take a moment and reflect on who you were walking onto this campus four years ago,” said Tapply. “I want you to remember all of the late night studying, endless exams, and numerous qualifications. In the moments that you thought it would never end, look at us now. I want you to continue to be the best version of yourself not only for you, but for your communities, your departments, and your families. Do not forget to hold onto everything you have learned. Take this mentality, and continue to pursue anything and everything in your future. Always keep yourself accountable, and put your full heart and effort into everything you do.”
Tapply told his classmates that there will definitely be hard days as a police officer.
“During those times, remember everything you have put into where you are right now, and why you are who you are,” he said. “Without the structure we received as a class, it is impossible to think that we would be where we are today.”
The 8th ROC didn’t accomplish this journey alone, however.
“The dream, and goal that we have accomplished, would not have been made possible without (Academy) Director (Ola) Wysocki, our drill instructors, physical training staff, and the family and friends joining us today.”
Tapply made sure to credit Wysocki for her “continuous devotion to our class, and the entire police program, is wholeheartedly special.”
He continued: “Your passion for making sure we become the best versions of ourselves, does not go unnoticed. Day in and day out, you made sure that we stepped into the right direction, and constantly supported us towards our goals. Without your devotion, we would not be who we are today. Thank you for going above and beyond, to guide us, educate us, and move us towards our ultimate goal.”
Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge also addressed the graduates and guests.
“This academy is more than a program,” Hodge said. “It is a promise. A promise that public higher education and public safety can work hand in hand. A promise that innovation and integrity can meet in the same training ground. A promise that Massachusetts can lead the nation in preparing those who serve and protect.
“And today, we fulfill that promise through you—graduates who have proven yourselves across your undergraduate degrees and the past seventeen weeks of relentless challenge,” Hodge said. “You studied. You trained. You endured. You met every test of character, discipline, and resolve. And now you stand ready to take the oath not only as officers, but as guardians.”
The president thanked the families in attendance for making sacrifices for their loved ones, and to the chiefs and departments for hiring these new graduates.
“And to our graduates—this is your day,” Hodge said. “From this day forward, the responsibility you carry is immense. The authority you hold is profound. And the example you set will help shape not just the safety of our streets, but the trust of our communities, and the strength of our democracy. We are proud to call you graduates of Fitchburg State University. We are grateful for your service. And we are hopeful for the future you will help build. Be safe. Serve with honor. Lead with heart. Let the momentum of this achievement carry you forward into a career of service and distinction. And know that today, and always, you carry the confidence of this university and this Commonwealth.”
Wysocki recounted when the 8th ROC began their academy training on May 19, and the successes and setbacks of the ensuing 17 weeks. A weekly tradition for the class was her Friday speech about making “good decisions” over the weekend.
Now, Wysocki is asking each new officer to make good decisions with their time, energy and work.
“The most valuable commodities you have are your time and ability to be kind,” she said. “Let me say that again, your most valuable commodities are your time and kindness. Be generous with both. Make time for family and friends, especially when you feel like you have no time. Do not get sucked into living to work, and when you inevitably do, change your priorities. Lead with kindness, whenever tactically feasible. If you want to change the world, start by being the kind of officer you will want for your family.
“Do not worry about the apparent effect you have on the world, be diligent in doing the best you can in all circumstances,” she said. “We have given you a firm foundation, now it is up to you to hone your craft. I hope you all feel a sense of accomplishment, and a feeling of knowing yourselves better than you did 17 weeks ago. Never forget where you come from, and if you do, we are always here to remind you.”
University Police Chief Michael Cloutier said the oath these graduates have taken is about more than just enforcing laws; it's a promise to be in service to others and to develop meaningful relationships with their communities.
“Our hope is that each of them will be the person who stops to talk to children in the park, or knows the local business owners by name,” Cloutier said. “Because that is where true trust begins, and it's the most powerful tool they will ever have.”
State Rep. Michael A. Kushmerek – a two-time Fitchburg State alum – MPTC Director of Training Andrea Nardone, and Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia were also in attendance.
The members of the 8th ROC and the departments that have hired them include Class Leader Brody Tapply of Lunenburg (Lunenburg Police Department), First Squad Leader Adam Bourgault of Fitchburg (Fitchburg Police Department), Joshua DiPersio of Tyngsboro (Chelmsford Police Department), Kyle Dupuis of Hopedale (Hopedale Police Department), Julia Marsell of Holliston (not hired yet), Colin Bozek of Tewksbury (not hired yet), Thomas Farr of Princeton (Littleton Police Department), Second Squad Leader Kayla Forbes of Marshfield (Rockland Police Department), Shea Lucontoni of Newburyport (Newburyport Police Department), Asha Speller of Tewksbury (Tewksbury Police Department), Owen Williams of Westminster (Ashburnham Police Department), Shane Bissanti of Franklin (Walpole Police Department), and Christopher Black of Gardner (Gardner Police Department).
Class Awards:
Academic Achievement Award – Julia Marsell
Physical Training Achievement Award – Thomas Farr
Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Award – Shane Bissanti
Firearms Training (“Top Gun”) Award – Brody Tapply
Rifle Training (“Top Gun”) Award – Shea Lucontoni
100 Percent Award – Brody Tapply
Click to read in-depth magazine profiles on Tapply, Forbes, Farr and Bourgault.
To learn more about the police program, please visit
Watch the FATV recording of the ceremony.
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