QCC Campus Police News

QCC Police Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

QCC hosted Domestic Violence Awareness Days at all three campuses this month to offer support and raise awareness.

Co-hosted by Campus Police and the Student Activities office, programs were held on October 18 on the main campus, October 20 at the downtown campus and October 27 at the Southbridge campus. About 40 students attended the brown bag lunch series and presentation on the main campus, 25 attended the downtown program and 35 attended at the Southbridge Campus.

“We talked about domestic violence, people could share their stories and we distributed information from Daybreaks and the YWCA,” said QCC Officer Catherine J. Dixon. Daybreaks is a women’s and children’s shelter, a service of the YWCA of Central Massachusetts.

Students were encouraged to Take A Stand Against Domestic Violence, and signed pledges to that effect.

“This was a new program for us this year, but it is an important one,” Office Dixon said. “We have three officers who are sexual assault investigators on the department, who are trained to handle domestic violence or sexual assault reports. It is important for people to know they can come to us if they need help.”

Officer Dixon has been a member of the QCC Police Department for two years. On September 1, she was promoted to Community Outreach Officer, which is a new position for the department.

“I was doing much of the outreach as part of my patrol duties, so now I can focus on these programs and we can expand what we offer,” she said.

She is a first responder instructor and is also teaching RAD, a national women’s self-defense class. The class has four sessions in October and November and is open to students, faculty, staff and family members. For this class, there are 22 participants. To complete the course, participants must commit to attending all four sessions. Officer Dixon said another class is planned for the spring, if interested people can call or e-mail her for more information.

“Knowing how to defend yourself is extremely important,” Officer Dixon said. “We want to empower women, let them know they are strong and instill confidence in them.”

Coffee With A Cop

QCC hosted its first Coffee With A Cop program on National Coffee With A Cop Day October 7. About 45 people attended the first session, where they could ask questions and learn more about the department. Common questions had to do with officer training and how being a college campus police officer works.

“They asked really good questions,” said Community Outreach Officer Catherine Dixon. “We do plan to have this event monthly, to allow the community to get to know us better on a one-to-one basis.”

The next Coffee With A Cop is scheduled for November 9, HLC 109, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome to stop in and meet the campus officers.

In November, there also will be a brown bag lunch focusing on winter vehicle safety. The department also will begin its “Stuff A Cruiser, Feed A Family” program in conjunction with Student Services and Counseling Services, where donations will be gathered to be distributed during the holidays.

Students can watch their QCC emails and the QCC Campus Police Department page on Facebook for more upcoming events.

Department Awards and Commendations

QCC Police Department held its 2016 Award Ceremony recently. The following officers were recognized for their conduct: 

• Officer of The Year Award: Jose A. Rivera
• Rookie of The Year Award: Nicholas C. Yacuzzi
• The “Chief Cheryl Martunas” Leadership Award: Catherine J. Dixon
• The “Chief Philip Bouthillette” Chief’s Award: Reynaldo Rodriguez
• Distinguished Service Award: Edward Ramos

Police Citizen Award

• David Aponte
• Joshua Martin

Life Saver Award

• Daniel Litchfield
• Joseph Cecchi
• Todd LaBranche

 Good Conduct Award

• Catherine J. Dixon
• Todd R. LaBranche
• Lucas Paine
• Jose A. Rivera
• Reynaldo Rodriguez
• Nicholas Yacuzzi

Receiving letters of commendations for actions:

• Joseph Cecchi
• Nicholas Yacuzzi
• Stephen DiGiovanni
• Todd LaBranche
• Daniel Litchfield
• Edward Ramos
• Dennis Blair

All officers received a service award with pins to wear on their uniform in recognition of their individual duties and awards.