For Immediate Release

Monday, July 17, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groveland Police Officer Graduates from Police Academy

GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen is pleased to announce that newly hired Groveland Police Officer Christopher L’Italien graduated from the Northern Essex Community College-Methuen Police Department Academy last week.

The ceremony took place on Friday, July 14, with 46 police officers from dozens of communities graduating from the Police Recruit Officer Training Academy. The 25-week intensive training program focuses on constitutional law, prevention and intervention, community policing, domestic violence, elder abuse, victims’ rights and more.

Officer L’Italien, who was appointed as a full-time police officer at the Groveland Police Department earlier this month, was presented the “Outstanding Student Officer Award,” which is the highest honor distributed during the ceremony. The award highlights all aspects of the academy, including physical fitness, defensive tactics, academics and shooting range performance.

“Officer L’Italien demonstrated outstanding performance while at the academy, which is in line with our expectations for a modern, professional police officer. His performance is a reflection of what we have come to expect from him as a reserve officer over the past two years, and I am looking forward to watching his career evolve as he begins his role as a full-time officer,” Chief Gillen said. “I am confident that the Town of Groveland will be well served by Officer L’Italien.”

The graduation ceremony was held at the Northern Essex Community College Fitness Center in Haverhill, with Chief Gillen in attendance.

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