METHUEN 一 Chief Scott J. McNamara is pleased to report that the Methuen Exchange Club honored Police Officer of the Year Sgt. Matthew Mueskes on Tuesday night as part of their annual ceremony recognizing first responders.
Sgt. Mueskes was honored for his tireless work leading the department’s yearslong effort to earn certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. The ceremony was held Tuesday evening at the Irish Cottage Restaurant.
The Methuen Exchange Club, chartered in 1983, is a civil organization that works to further child abuse prevention, Americanism, and Community Service throughout the community. The club annually recognizes the top firefighter and top police officer in Methuen, as selected by each department’s chief.
The club honored Sgt. Mueskes as Police Officer of the Year, and Methuen Fire Department Firefighter Sean Wholley as Firefighter of the Year. Both men were also presented with citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate.
In May 2021, Sergeant Mueskes volunteered and was selected to become a part of the newly formed Accreditation Unit. He supervised and managed a complete overhaul of the department’s policy manual, forms, and directives. This massive undertaking included the editing, updating, and writing of over 150 policies; formatting and creating over 100 electronic forms; and modernizing numerous department procedures.
“Sergeant Mueskes’ efforts have helped to usher in a new age of the Methuen Police Department whereby professionalism and accountability are emphasized through memorialization,” said Chief McNamara. “Largely because of his efforts and his extraordinary ability to pull the various facets of our department together, the Methuen Police Department is now officially recognized as a Certified Law Enforcement Agency by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission.
“The consummate professional always striving for perfection, Sergeant Mueskes continues to push the Department to be better. Instead of relaxing and enjoying this great accomplishment, he is pushing the Department toward Accelerated Accreditation, and with Sgt. Mueskes leading the charge, I am confident we will accomplish this long sought-after goal.”
The Department is scheduled to be assessed again by MPAC representatives on Dec. 12 and 13, and after that assessment the department will be considered for full accreditation.
Sgt. Mueskes is a lifelong Methuen resident and graduate of Methuen High School. He has a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and a master’s degree from UMass Lowell. In 2018, he earned the department’s lifesaving award.
Sgt. Mueskes thanked Lt. Eric Ferriera, who helped oversee the certification process, Andover Police Lt. Edward Guy, who provided guidance, and the Methuen Police Department’s unions, which were fully on board with changes needed to earn certification.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition and sincerely appreciate all the hard work and dedication from all members of our department,” said Sgt. Mueskes. “I’m proud to work for a respected police department and look forward to continued success for our organization.”
Chief McNamara thanked the Methuen Exchange Club for organizing the event, the Irish Cottage Restaurant for hosting, as well as Mayor Neil Perry, the Methuen City Council, and the Methuen community for supporting the department’s efforts to earn certification and accreditation.