EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Paul O’Brien is pleased to announce that the East Bridgewater Police Department swore in several new officers last week.
On Monday, Aug. 16, six new officers were sworn in during a ceremony at East Bridgewater Town Hall. The new officers were sworn in by East Bridgewater Town Clerk Susan Gillpatrick.
“We are excited to be able to welcome so many new faces to the department,” Chief O’Brien said. “Each of these officers either grew up in East Bridgewater or has spent many years here, and we know they will be a valuable asset to the department and will do their best to give back to their community and the residents in town.”
The following officers were sworn in last Monday:
Patrol Officer Robert Lang
Officer Lang graduated from the 22-week Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) 12th ROC Police Academy–Randolph on July 2. He was elected Class Treasurer by his peers, elected Class Guidon by the Academy staff and received the Class TOP PT (physical training award).
He grew up in Brockton, and relocated to East Bridgewater in 2004, where he built his home. He became employed by the East Bridgewater Police Department in 2006, filling the position of Permanent Intermittent Officer. He was hired full-time in November 2020.
Officer Lang is the father of four children, ages 13 to 22. He enjoys physical activity ranging from weightlifting, boating and spending time with his wife and kids. He says the best part of being a police officer is the constant daily interactions with citizens.
“We are here to protect and serve our community to the best of our abilities,” he said. “I will strive every shift to make a positive impact with everyone I contact.”
Patrol Officer Derreck Card
Officer Card will be attending the 71st ROC Plymouth Police Academy commencing Sept. 20.
He grew up and has spent his entire life in East Bridgewater. He graduated from East Bridgewater High School in 2013. After high school he worked in construction as a laborer tending to masons and other craftsmen. He went back to school in 2015 attending Massasoit Community College, where he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, transferring to Bridgewater State University and graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice. He was hired July 1 as a full-time police officer for EBPD.
During his last semester at BSU he was sponsored by the East Bridgewater Police Department to attend the Plymouth Police Reserve Officer Academy, where he furthered his interest in becoming a police officer.
Officer Card spends most of his free time with family and friends, and enjoys archery, hiking, fishing, working out and listening to podcasts or audio books.
“I have enjoyed growing up in East Bridgewater and believe that it is a wonderful community,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of the East Bridgewater Police Department, keeping East Bridgewater a safe community.”
Patrol Officer Cory McLaughlin
Officer McLaughlin will be attending the 71st ROC Plymouth Police Academy, commencing September 20.
He grew up in East Bridgewater and moved to West Palm Beach, Florida after high school for the next four years. After returning home, he attended the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and graduated in June 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management. This past April, he graduated from the Plymouth Basic Reserve Academy while working full time as a dispatcher for the East Bridgewater Police Department. He was hired July 1 as a full-time police officer for EBPD.
His hobbies include golfing, skiing, exercising and camping, and especially spending time with his family and friends.
“The best part of the job is being able to interact with the community that I was born and raised in,” Officer McLaughlin said. “Being a police officer in my hometown gives me the opportunity to build personal relationships and help people in our community every day.”
Patrol Officer Ryan Linehan
Officer Linehan will be attending the 14th Randolph ROC, commencing Nov. 1.
He grew up in Brockton and worked for the Boston Medical Center Department of Public Safety for 10 years. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2016 and was hired as a part-time officer for the East Bridgewater Police Department in April 2017. He was hired as a full-time officer in April 2021.
Officer Linehan enjoys spending time with his friends and camping and hiking, especially in Maine and New Hampshire. He tries to make the most of his time with his wife Rebecca, daughter Olivia and son Ryan, Jr.
“The best part of this profession is interacting with the community, school system, local businesses and the department, and helping members of the community as well as strangers,” he said. “It’s a great feeling making a positive difference in someone’s day, or their life altogether.”
Intermittent Officer Jessy Heger
Officer Heger grew up East Bridgewater and after high school she attended Westfield State University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science and Business Management. Following the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree she attended the Plymouth County Reserves Police Academy. She continued her career and started dispatching full-time.
She values quality time with her family and friends as well as her two dogs. In the summer she enjoys spending days off at the beach, and in the winter she enjoys snowboarding.
“The best part of the job is the opportunity to work closely with very experienced and knowledgeable police officers as well as the residents of the town,” she said. “I am eager for this new opportunity to be working for the East Bridgewater Police Department.”
Intermittent Officer Conner McDermott
Officer McDermott graduated from the Plymouth Basic Reserve Academy in April 2021. He grew up in East Bridgewater, where he attended public school. After high school he attended one year at Springfield College before transferring to Bridgewater State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He coached football for East Bridgewater High School from 2015 to 2020 as a volunteer. He has been working as a full-time dispatcher for the East Bridgewater Police Department since August 2018.
His hobbies include playing men’s league tackle football, watching movies and cooking/ grilling, as well as going to his beach house in Maine with friends and family.
“The best part of his job is giving back to the Town of East Bridgewater,” he said. “Also, being able to leave a positive impact on our community on a daily basis.”
###