Mass. Gov. Healey: New state troopers are ‘affirmation of what is good’
The Massachusetts State Police gained more than 100 new troopers Wednesday, as state leaders also mourned the overnight death of an Uxbridge police officer.
Moments after Gov. Maura Healey swore in the 115 members of the 92nd Recruit Training Troop from the State Police Academy, she reflected on how she left home this morning and traveled to Springfield with a "heavy heart."
"I needed to call a police chief and express my condolences on behalf of the state of Massachusetts for the loss of an officer. As you know, one of our officers from Uxbridge was responding to a motorist needing assistance late in the cold hours last night [and] was sadly, tragically struck and killed," Healey said at the graduation ceremony, held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
Officer Stephen LaPorta, 43, was killed in the incident on Route 146, according to the Uxbridge Police Department. The Mass. State Police is investigating the incident, the department said. Healey ordered flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings Wednesday until the day of LaPorta's burial.
"This is a devastating loss for our department and our community," Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer's family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time."
State Rep. Joseph McKenna, R-18th Worcester, who represents Uxbridge, wrote Wednesday morning on Facebook that he was "deeply saddened to wake up to the news of an Uxbridge police officer accidentally killed in the line of duty while helping a broken down vehicle on R.146 overnight."
"I am praying for this officer, their family, the Uxbridge Police Department, and the community - for peace and healing," McKenna wrote.
As she addressed the new troopers, Healey praised them for their "fortitude" and "perseverance."
"You have undertaken a mission that will bring you opportunities, challenges, experiences and yes, the possibility of great danger and an ultimate sacrifice," Healey said. The governor added, "You give us an affirmation of what is good — those who are willing to step forward and serve, those who are willing to put their state, their community, their country ahead of themselves."
Attorney General Andrea Campbell said the new troopers come from "all backgrounds and all different walks of life." She said "many" previously served in law enforcement, while others come from families with a law enforcement background or are veterans.
Campbell thanked the troopers for choosing to protect the commonwealth, "especially during some tumultuous times in our nation's history."
The graduation ceremony included a performance from the MSP Pipes and Drums. Healey pointed out that State Police Lt. Donald Bossi, who was severely injured last year after being struck by a motorcycle on Revere Beach Boulevard, was playing a drum.
"Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of standing with Lt. Bossi and others as I signed a bill ensuring that all police officers injured on the job will receive full disability and retirement benefits," Healey said. The governor added, "And I just want to say, it was awesome to see Lt. Bossi walk out and bang that drum."
As Massachusetts gears up for major events this year commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, World Cup matches and the return of the Tall Ships, Healey discussed the importance of law enforcement efforts.
"Millions of people are going to be gathering and coming to Massachusetts to celebrate," Healey said. "They expect and assume that they'll be safe, but that happens because of your training and your work. So I want to thank you in advance for all that you're going to do and be called upon to do in the months ahead because these events don't happen without the Massachusetts State Police and law enforcement."
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