Boston Police Commissioner Recognizes Dorchester
Probation Officers

Left to right:   Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O'Toole, Leon Graves, Trina Higgins, Assistant Chief Probation Officer Wilfred Morrison, Michael Branch, Thomas Todd, Graham Bengen, Boston Municipal Court - Dorchester Division Chief Probation Officer Bernard Fitzgerald, James President, Lynne Thomas, and Probation Commissioner John J. O'Brien.                                              (Photo credit: Elizabeth Clairwood, Boston Police Department)

Seven Boston Municipal Court (BMC) – Dorchester Division Probation Officers and an Assistant Chief Probation Officer were recognized recently by Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O’Toole for their behind-the-scenes efforts to end gun violence in the City of Boston.

The ceremony took place at Boston Police Department Headquarters where each of the Probation Officers, who are members of the Probation Department’s Youthful Offender Unit, received plaques. The honorees included Assistant Chief Probation Officer Wilfred Morrison and Probation Officers Graham Bengen, Michael Branch, Leon Graves, Trina Higgins, James President, Thomas Todd and Lynne Thomas. The Youthful Offender Unit is responsible for removing dangerous firearms and ammunition off the streets of Boston, including two sawed-off shotguns.

Youthful Offender Unit members supervise high- risk probationers, referred to as “impact players” by the police and courts. Many of the “Youthful Offender” probationers, who range in age from 17 to 23, have gang affiliations. The Probation Officers discovered the weapons during home visits to probationers and alerted police.

Commissioner O’Toole lauded the honorees and their work. “While Probation does not get as much public attention, we realize the value of your work.”

Massachusetts Probation Service Commissioner John J. O’Brien said the collaboration between probation and the police department enhances public safety.

“With everything that is happening in the city, there is a need to collaborate more than ever,” Commissioner O’Brien said. “This is a tremendous honor.”

BMC-Dorchester Chief Probation Officer Bernard Fitzgerald said the honorees and their work make him “very proud to be a Probation Officer.”