October 4th, 2024 -Framingham, MA
The Massachusetts Latino Police Officers (MLPO) Association celebrated its 3rd Annual Awards & Recognition Ceremony on Friday, October 4th, 2024. The ceremony was hosted by the Framingham State University Police Department.
This was a joyful occasion for all in attendance as the recipients, their family, and friends came together to celebrate and recognize the contributions, achievements, and dedication of outstanding police officers from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
President Yessenia Gomez stated in her welcoming remarks, “I believe awards are a way to build morale and encourage a passionate spirit. The awards to be distributed today are not just for recognizing those officers who have performed exceptionally well in their respective categories, but to also honor those who have excelled in the law enforcement field. while honoring our Latino roots every day! Today could not be possible without their unselfish commitment to the community, our cultures, and our profession.”
Community Policing Award: Officer Geovanni Chevere – Boston University Police Department
Life Saving Award: Officer Joseph Varraso- Chelsea Police Department
Mentorship Award: Officer Jonathan Maldonado – Chelsea Police Department
Leadership Award: Detective Rafaela Oliveira – Brookline Police Department
Officer of the Year Award: Detective Marivelle Crespo – Boston Police Department
The Massachusetts Latino Police Officer (MLPO) Association received numerous nominations making the award selections rather difficult. So in addition to the award recipients, a few nominees were selected to receive special recognition certificates for their contributions to the communities and the department they serve, as well as our law enforcement profession. Those receiving special recognition include:
Wilber Pena- Chelsea Police Department
María Barbosa- Chelsea Police Department
Cristina Quijada- Chelsea Police Department
Adam Graves- Sutton Police Department
Riniel Liriano- Sutton Police Department
Jillian Shenian-MA State Police
Mike Kenyon -Swampscott Police Department
Sgt. Steven Luck -Swampscott Police Department
Samuel Caruso -Swampscott Police Department
Lenny Then -Sharon Police Department
Sgt. Juana Hernandez – Boston Police Department
Ayesha Lawton -Boston Police Department
Sgt. Robert Schroeder – MIT Police Department
David Carrasco- MIT Police Department
Kathy Poirier- Wellesley Police Department
Framingham Police Sergeant Richard Pomales, the MLPO Treasurer was also honored with the President’s Special Recognition Merit Award for Mentorship. A special thanks to the Framingham Police Department Honor Guard for presenting the colors and to Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker for his assistance in making Sgt. Pomales’ special recognition a successful surprise.
The Massachusetts Latino Police Officers (MLPO) Association extends its thanks to those in attendance for making this event a successful one!
