- Municipal Police Training Committee
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Kayla Rosario-Muñoz, Director of Communications
MARLBOROUGH — The Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) today announced that 25 police chiefs completed its inaugural Executive Law Enforcement Leadership and Culture Development Program. Recognizing the need for enhanced leadership training for those leading Massachusetts police departments, MPTC created the nine-month program to deliver practical leadership tools that equip leaders to build high-performing, mission-aligned organizations. Each graduate will return to their organization prepared to strengthen their agency’s operations, culture, and outcomes.
“Strong, effective leadership is essential to ensuring our law enforcement agencies are prepared to meet the needs of the communities they serve,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These police chiefs have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their departments and investing in the people who serve alongside them. I congratulate the inaugural class and commend the MPTC for creating an opportunity that will help advance public safety leadership across Massachusetts.”
“Building strong organizations begins with leaders who are willing to continually learn, adapt, and challenge themselves.” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “What makes this program especially valuable is its emphasis on putting leadership principles into practice. By bringing new ideas and strategies back to their departments, these chiefs are helping create environments where officers can succeed and communities can be served better.”
Over nine months, participants attended six full-day, in-person workshops facilitated by professionals from Care4th, an organizational culture and leadership development firm. The curriculum covered executive leadership, organizational alignment, communication, accountability and strategies for building high-performing teams. Between sessions, participants applied leadership concepts within their agencies and returned to share experiences, discuss challenges and build upon their learning. The program also provided opportunities for law enforcement leaders from across Massachusetts to collaborate, exchange ideas and build professional relationships.
“Strong leadership is the foundation of strong public safety organizations,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Gina Kwon. “When we invest in the development of law enforcement executives, we strengthen the agencies they lead and the people who serve within them. This program reflects our commitment to building a public safety workforce that is prepared to meet evolving challenges and serve communities across Massachusetts.”
“Launching this program reflects our commitment to supporting law enforcement leaders beyond the traditional training environment.” said MPTC Executive Director Colonel Rick Rathbun (Ret.). “We wanted to create an opportunity for police chiefs to step away from the day-to-day demands of their roles, focus on their own leadership development and take those lessons directly back to their agencies. The engagement and commitment of the chiefs in this program have been exceptional.”
“A Culture of Performance doesn’t happen by accident. It is intentionally built by leaders who inspire trust, develop their people, and create an environment where excellence and continuous improvement become the norm. What made this inaugural cohort so meaningful was the commitment these chiefs demonstrated—not just to growing as individual leaders, but to strengthening their departments and the communities they serve. We’re proud to partner with the MPTC in investing in the people who lead those who protect and serve.” said Care4th team (Ashleigh Rodriguez, Dave Logan, and George Ryan)
During the program, participants explored executive leadership, organizational alignment, communication, accountability, and strategies for developing high-performing teams. In addition to developing individual leadership skills, the program created an opportunity for police chiefs from across Massachusetts to learn from one another and build relationships.
The program's inaugural cohort represented municipal, campus and other law enforcement agencies serving communities throughout Massachusetts. The 25 graduates are:
- Amesbury Police Deputy Chief Lauren Blatchford
- Ashland Police Chief Cara Rossi
- Bellingham Police Chief Kenneth Fitzgerald
- Berklee College of Music Police Chief David Ransom
- Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost
- Boston Housing Authority Police Chief Din Rasheed Jenkins
- Brookline Police Chief Jennifer Paster
- Cambridge Police Commissioner Pauline Wells
- Dalton Police Chief Deanna Strout
- Framingham Police Deputy Chief Sean Riley
- Hamilton Police Chief Edward Guy
- Hardwick-New Braintree Police Chief Kevin Landine
- Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio
- Lynnfield Police Captain Christopher DeCarlo
- Marlborough Police Captain Daniel Campbell
- MassBay Community College Police Chief Joseph Bellino
- Millbury Police Chief Brian Lewos
- Princeton Police Chief Paul Patriarca
- Raynham Police Chief David Laplante
- Salem State University Police Chief Patricia Murphy
- Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson
- Upton Police Chief Nicholas Palmieri
- West Brookfield Police Chief Nathan Hagglund
- Westhampton Police Chief David White
- Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier
"Ashleigh, Dave, and George are really great instructors and the curriculum was unlike any I have experienced before. They encouraged us to try different communication and listening styles and taught us the value of shifting our leadership from reactive management to proactive investment in our agency's greatest assets-it's people. We were shown how policy creates rules, but true leadership creates buy-in. Another benefit was the networking and relationships formed with other police leaders whom I hadn't yet met. I feel re-energized and look forward to implementing the valuable lessons learned in my department." said Ashland Police Department Chief Cara Rossi.
“The MPTC recognized a need for additional training for law enforcement executives and hit it out of the park by partnering with Care4th. This course challenged conventional thinking while providing practical tools and perspectives designed to inspire long-term, systemic change. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, it encourages customization to meet the unique needs of each agency. This has been time exceptionally well spent, and I have no doubt future iterations will be even more impactful.” said Boston Housing Authority Police Department Chief Din R. Jenkins Sr.
The inaugural program reflects MPTC's continued commitment to expanding professional development opportunities for law enforcement leaders, strengthening organizational excellence and supporting a public safety workforce prepared to meet the evolving needs of Massachusetts communities.
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