News  Barnstable Fatherhood Program Hosts Graduation Ceremony

Orleans, MA — The Barnstable County Fatherhood Program celebrated the graduation of seven fathers while also recognizing Orleans District Chief Probation Officer Wayne Chase who has overseen the program which is the longest running Fatherhood Program in the entire state. Chief Chase is stepping down from the facilitator’s role after 23 years of running the Barnstable Fatherhood Program. Under his leadership, 302 fathers—representing 647 children—have completed the program. Deputy Commissioner of Programs Michael Coelho attended the celebration and recognized Chief Chase.

"I am happy to recognize Chief Chase for his many years of dedicated service to the fathers of Barnstable County. The program has had a profound impact on the participating fathers and their children and it is because of Wayne’s leadership, compassion, and commitment to helping the fathers become better role models to their children that has resulted in its success and longevity," said Deputy Commissioner Coelho who presented Chief Chase with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Office of the Commissioner of Probation Pamerson Ifill.

"The years have passed by so quickly. However, I remember the fathers well and the challenges they overcame to become better and more involved parents to their children as well as more respectful to the mothers of their children. As a father myself and now a grandfather, I have always found this work rewarding and am always happy to see when the importance of parenthood and having a father in a child’s life resonates with the fathers in the program. While I will miss facilitating this group, I am leaving it in good hands with Barnstable Probate & Family Probation Officer Christopher Martin and Barnstable P&F Assistant Chief Christopher Hercun," said Chief Chase.

Orleans District First Justice Robert A. Welsh III was the commencement speaker and presented on "Fatherhood: A Life's Honor."