METHUEN — Chief Scott J. McNamara is pleased to announce that the Methuen Police Department’s team placed third in a statewide fundraising challenge benefitting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The Municipal Police Training Committee invited law enforcement agencies from across Massachusetts to take part in the Drop It Challenge last month, through which participating officers collected donations for each pound they lost from May 1-29.
Methuen’s team collectively raised $7,425, with team captain Sgt. Derek Licata raising $5,100. In all, 41 police teams raised $68,146, which will be donated to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Joining Sgt. Licata in the effort were Sgt. Kevin Dzioba, Officer Gina Scanlon, Parking Control Officer Jeffrey Rubino, Dispatcher Yohanna Almengo and Human Resources staff member Jill Stackelin.
Sgt. Licata, whose wife is currently undergoing treatment for cancer at Dana-Farber, was the top individual fundraiser statewide, and spearheaded Methuen’s participation in the Drop It Challenge.
“This is a deeply personal issue for me, and I want to thank all of the friends, family members and those from our community who donated in support of Dana-Farber’s work,” Sgt. Licata said. “I’ve seen firsthand how important Dana-Farber is in the lives of those battling cancer, and it was an honor to give back to their lifesaving efforts.”
Participants kept track of their weight over the course of the month of May and collected donations from family and friends who were supporting their effort.
“This was a great way for our members to raise money for a great cause while taking charge of improving their own health, and I’m grateful to everyone who participated and donated,” Chief McNamara said. “We’re all keeping Sgt Licata’s family in our thoughts and I’m extremely proud of him and his commitment to ensuring Dana-Farber can continue its critical work to save lives.”
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