METHUEN 一 Chief Scott J. McNamara is pleased to announce that members of the Methuen Police Department have been recognized by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for placing third in the state in the Drop It Challenge.
The Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) invited law enforcement agencies from across Massachusetts to take part in the Challenge, through which participants collected donations for each pound they lost in May in support of Dana-Farber.
The Methuen Police Department team raised $7,700, earning it third place overall. Team captain Sgt. Derek Licata raised $5,100, making him the top individual fundraiser statewide. In all, participating police departments raised more than $67,000, which will be donated to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Sgt. Licata has a deeply personal connection to the cause.
“My wife is a patient at Dana-Farber. I’ve seen first-hand the amazing work that they do and wanted to give back to the cause that is doing so much for my family,” said Sgt. Licata. “Their treatments have helped my wife live a longer life and have given our family more time with her.”
Sgt. Licata was joined by teammates Sgt. Kevin Dzioba, Officer Gina Scanlon, Parking Control Officer Jeffrey Rubio, Dispatcher Yohanna Almengo, and Human Resources staff member Jill Stackelin.
“The support has been incredible. I feel very fortunate for the friends and family that helped us achieve this goal. It’s a great feeling to know you’re not alone,” Sgt. Licata said.
Katherine Bahrawy, Associate Director of Event Fundraising at Dana-Farber, noted that the Drop It Challenge was completely volunteer-run.
“Dana-Farber didn’t reach out to get people to participate. Someone within each community had to coordinate and recruit everyone to volunteer. It’s amazing how the community continues to show up for Dana-Farber in the way that they do,” said Bahrawy.
The Drop It for Dana-Farber donation portal will remain open. If you would like to donate, click here.
About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the world’s leading centers of cancer research and treatment. Dana-Farber’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement, and advocacy. Dana-Farber is a federally designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
Dana-Farber provides the latest treatments in cancer for adults through Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center and for children through Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Dana-Farber is the only hospital nationwide with a top 5 U.S. News & World ReportBest Cancer Hospital ranking in both adult and pediatric care.
As a global leader in oncology, Dana-Farber is dedicated to a unique and equal balance between cancer research and care, translating the results of discovery into new treatments for patients locally and around the world, offering more than 1,100 clinical trials.