Diversity in Law Enforcement
Honoring Service, Promoting Leadership and Protecting Our Community
Diversity in Law Enforcement
Honoring Service, Promoting Leadership and Protecting Our Community
President's Message
Upcoming Events/Training
On Saturday November 12, 2022 the Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association will hold its Annual Membership Meeting. This meeting will begin promptly at 10am and will be held at MPTC Lynnfield located at 425 Walnut Street, Lynnfield, MA. Light refreshments will be served. We ask that you please RSVP to [email protected] by Thursday November 10, 2022.
This meeting will serve not only as our annual membership meeting for the purposes of our by-laws, but it will also serve as the beginning of our elections process for Executive Board Members. The positions available are President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Clerk. If you are interested in any of these positions or wish to nominate a member, we ask that you please be present at this meeting. Voting for these positions will occur in late November/early December with 2 year terms beginning January 2023.
We look forward to seeing you all, updating you on the organization's progress, and having our membership step into both formal and informal roles that will help us continue to move our organization forward serving our Latino constituency in the best way possible.
Sincerely, MLPO E-Board
Recent Highlights
The Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association celebrates 2018 José A. Maceira Scholarship Recipient
On September 20, 2019, Diego Alejandro Pizarro, graduated from the inaugural Cambridge and Northeastern University Police Academy Recruit Officer Course #001. Pizarro was the recipient of the 2018 Massachusetts Latino Police Officer's Association (MLPO) José A. Maceira Scholarship.
Pizarro was born and raised in Medellín, Colombia, immigrating to the United States with his family in 1993, They settled in Boston, MA, where he attended and graduated from East Boston High School in 1998. Pizarro is proud of his heritage and currently serves as the President of the Colombian Festival in Boston, MA.
Pizarro has years of experience working in the field of security within the private sector, while also working as both a night club disc jockey and dance stage performer. He has many credits for radio, television and acting voice overs, but he hopes to begin his dream job in law enforcement in the very near future so that he may utilize his skills as a criminal investigator and a certified Spanish court/legal interpreter. He also hopes to have the ability to continue working with high risk youth who have open cases, gang affiliation, substance abuse issues, trauma/violence and no connection with employment and education.
Please join us in congratulating Diego on his accomplishment and wish him well on his future successes.
MLPO creates partnership with LULAC, Council 12113, Inc.
Boston, MA - On Thursday August 3, 2017, the Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association and LULAC, Council 12113, Inc. made their partnership official with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Yessenia Gomez, Executive Board Member for the Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association was in attendance for the official signing. "We are honored to be here today and make our official partnership with LULAC, Council 12113, Inc. We are honored to have this partnership as it will help us identify young women and men who wish to pursue a career in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Ms. Gonzalez's connection and commitment to the Latino Community will strengthen our efforts in identifying our next generation of police officers"
The Manny Familia Scholarship - “Honoring a Hero”
On Saturday, May 21, 2022, a ceremony was held to honor Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia. Anna Maria College-Criminal Justice Graduate and Degree Completion Program sponsored the Manny Scholarship Program renaming event.
MLPO is honor to have the support of The Familia family and is our privilege to be able carry on the dedication and passion Manny had for his profession and community. Manny you inspires us to be better and to do better.
Among the speakers were Michael Stevens,
Director of the Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Program & Molly Bish Center, Regina Sanderson of Director Criminal Justice Graduate and Degree Completion Program, Worcester Police Chief Steve Sargent and Manny’s brother Elvin Familia. The scholarships aims to continue to keep Manny’s legacy alive.
To donate to The Manny Scholarship Program Fund, please contact Yessenia Gomez, President at [email protected]
MLPO member promoted to Chief of Police
Shirley, MA - The Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association would like to acknowledge and congratulate MLPO member and Shirley Police Sergeant Samuel Santiago who was appointed as the new Chief of Police after a unanimous vote of the Board of Selectmen at a meeting held on July 10, 2017.
Chief Santiago is a 14 year veteran of the Shirley Police Department and has served in the role of Acting Chief since this past February. Chief Santiago has been praised for his ability to work with town officials and for his presence in the community. Following his appointment, Santiago said "It's going to be an honor to serve the citizens of Shirley, to continue serving them, especially in the capacity of the Chief of Police".
Chief Santiago completed his undergraduate degree in Human Services and Criminal Justice, graduating Cum Laude from Springfield College and is currently enrolled in a graduate program studying Public Administration at Clark University in his hometown of Worcester.
Chief Santiago is the first serving vice president of the Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association and he continues to show his support.
Congratulations Chief Santiago and we wish you continued success as a member of the Shirley Community, the Shirley Police Department and the Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association.
MLPO Members promoted to Lieutenant and Captain
New Bedford, MA - The Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association would like to acknowledge and congratulate MLPO Members Nathan Rodriguez (Center) and Frank Correia (Right) who were promoted on Saturday June 17, 2017. Nathan Rodriguez was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant and Frank Correia from Lieutenant to Captain.
Born and raised in New Bedford, Lt. Rodriguez is a 13 year veteran of the New Bedford Police Department. He began his career in 2004. Captain Correia is a 24 year veteran of the department and began his career in 1993. Captain Correia is the first Cape Verdean born Captain in the history of the New Bedford Police Department.
It has been said that these gentlemen are great representatives of the New Bedford Police Department who will represent this department with distinction and honor to a community that is so magnificently diverse.
Congratulations Lt. Rodriguez and Captain Correia. We wish you continued success as members of the New Bedford Community, The New Bedford Police Department and the Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association.