The Executive Board of the Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (MACLEA) is pleased to share that College and University Police Officers and Administrators were honored last week for their contributions to their campuses and the law enforcement profession. Two students were also awarded the John M. King Scholarship for Advancement and Education.

MACLEA’s Annual Awards and Scholarship Program was held on Friday, Jan. 19 at the McCarthy Center at Framingham State University, sponsored by Chief Joseph Cecchi. This year’s awardees represented Babson College Public Safety, the Tufts University Police Department, the Boston University Police Department, the Lasell University Police Department, the Bentley University Police Department, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Police Department.

“It is an honor to congratulate this year’s Scholarship and Award recipients,” MACLEA President Lt. Laurene Spiess said. “We look forward to reading about the great work by our campus law enforcement professionals in the award nominations each year, and are pleased to recognize numerous Officers, Dispatchers and Administrators for their contributions to their communities and the impact they make on their College and University campuses during this ceremony. It is also a pleasure to award the John M. King Scholarship to two dedicated students for the continuation of advancement and education.”

Click here to see a gallery of photos from the 2024 ceremony.

Ralph Avery Leadership Development Award

This award was presented to Babson College Public Safety Chief Erin Carcia. She was recognized for her passion for campus public safety and her tireless work to support her team and department. Her nominator noted that she is knowledgeable and accessible, and works constantly to mentor command staff members both from her agency and externally. She has contributed to many regional organizations and associations and holds seats on the Executive Boards of both MACLEA and the Massachusetts Association for Women in Law Enforcement.

Administrative Initiative to Combat Crime, Improve Efficiency or Significantly Improve Public Safety by the Development of Innovative Program

This award was presented to Babson College Public Safety Officer Justin Stiles. His nominator recognized him as someone who steps up and takes on new responsibilities, collaborates with key stakeholders, and looks at everything from the approach of problem-solving and solution-building.

For the past year, Officer Stiles has served as the department’s lead data analyst. He has created systems that provide the department and college regular workload data for Public Safety service calls, investigative efforts, the utilization of security technology and fire safety data. Officer Stiles has also presented the data to stakeholders to help address current issues, patterns or challenges that students face through crime prevention programming and other safety events.

Officer Stiles was also recognized for consistently looking at opportunities to advance the department in community engagement and relationship building, as well as through technology and equipment. He developed a business plan that allowed the college to purchase a law enforcement drone, created the related policy and procedures, evaluated budget implications and training requirements, and engaged with local police departments to host training. He also created a business plan to purchase electric bicycles for trained officers to enhance community engagement and sustainability.

He also recognized an opportunity to provide officers with more efficient means of accessing computer-aided dispatch systems and worked directly with the provider and the Information Technology Services Department to integrate systems for use on cruiser laptops.

Finally, Officer Stiles shows a high level of dedication to his peers, Babson College, and campus public safety by regularly making connections with other campuses regarding best practices, innovative ideas, business plans or challenges.

Sean Collier Award for Innovations in Community Oriented Policing

This award was presented to Tufts University Police Lt. Jameson Yee. His nominator noted that Lt. Yee has provided many innovative ideas to help officers at the Tufts University Police Department team up to support important causes. He introduced the Pink Patch project for Breast Cancer Awareness and has maintained the department’s involvement annually. He is involved in Toys for Tots, represents the Tufts University Police Department yearly at the Special Olympics, and introduced the No-Shave November initiative into the department. He also works closely with Campus Life staff to collaborate on events.

Heroic Action Award

This award was presented to Boston University Police Sgt. Peter Shin, Officer Brian Abdallah, Officer Rae Annese, Officer Michael Blando, Officer Renso Rojas, Dispatcher Lynne LaRoche and Dispatcher Sean Simpson. The group was recognized for their efforts working together in an attempt to help a person who was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis during a 2023 incident.

Lifesaving Award

The award was presented to Lasell University Police Sgt. John Bossi. In May 2023, Sgt. Bossi and another officer located an injured individual who was believed to have been experiencing a mental health crisis. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, Sgt. Bossi rendered critical aid to the victim and worked to stop the bleeding of a deep cut. The individual was then transported to a hospital for further treatment.

Exemplary Service Award

Bentley University Police Sgt. Paul Callahan was recognized for his response to an October 2023 incident during which an individual was reported to be punching cars and walls. The person ignored Sgt. Callahan’s verbal commands and attempted to get into a dormitory building. Sgt. Callahan was able to apprehend the individual and called for an ambulance to transport them to the hospital. Sgt. Callahan, a 35-year veteran, was recognized by his nominator for keeping calm and de-escalating the situation with actions that were tactical, but also compassionate and balanced.

Outstanding Personal Contributions to Campus Public Safety by an Individual

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Police Sgt. Hazel Berry was recognized for her strong commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the campus community. Her nominator discussed her proactive approach to crime
prevention, which has increased awareness about personal safety and empowered individuals to take an active role in maintaining a secure campus environment.

In addition to her preventive measures, Sgt. Berry was recognized for showing exceptional leadership during critical incidents and for demonstrating a calm and composed demeanor in high-pressure situations, which helps to effectively manage emergencies and minimize potential risks.

Additionally, Sgt. Berry fosters positive relationships with the campus community by actively engaging with students, faculty and staff and taking the time to listen to their concerns and address issues. She actively participates in community outreach programs, collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to promote safety in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Click here to read more about each award’s criteria.

John M. King Scholarship for Advancement and Education
Two students were recognized with the John M. King Scholarship for Advancement and Education:

• Mackayla O’Brien, who plans to attend Clemson University to study nursing, granddaughter of Jim Ferrier, Northeastern University Associate Director of Public Safety (Ret.)
• Gavin Chase, who attends Merrimack College and plans to study criminology and criminal justice, son of Merrimack College Lt. James Chase

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