Arlington Hosts Middlesex Sheriff's Academy Graduation

ARLINGTON, MA—Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan was among the many county law enforcement officials to address the 31 new corrections officers that graduated from the Middlesex Sherrif’s Office Basic Training academy at Arlington Town Hall Wednesday.

27 of the new graduates joined the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, while four will join the Norfolk Sheriff’s office. Those graduated went through 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, according to a Middlesex Sheriff’s Office announcement.

“Corrections officers play a vital role in ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian in a statement. “But beyond that, they also play a key role in helping those who become incarcerated address underlying issues – including addiction and lack of education – which may have contributed to their criminal activity. Far too often the hard work, dedication and professionalism of these men and women go unnoticed. Graduations like this one provide us an opportunity to celebrate and share who we are and what we do.”

This is the fifth graduation under Koutoujian’s tenure as chief, graduating 200 academy-trained officers.

Patch attempted to contact Chief Ryan, but he was not immediately available for comment. Check back with Patch for comments on the graduates.