22 August, 2024
The Executive Board of the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAWLE) is pleased to share the success of this year’s MAWLE & Me Summer Camp.
MAWLE hosted the 2024 camp from Aug. 12-16 at the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association Hall for 25 middle school-aged girls from the Boston area. This is the fifth time the camp has been held.
The weeklong camp was coordinated by MAWLE members/Boston Police Sgt. Lauren Woods and Boston Police Officer Sarah Palermo. MAWLE Vice President/Boston Police Sgt. Detective Amyleigh DeVito, Boston Police Officer Cynthia Brewington, Reading Police Sgt. Maria Nacopoulos and Officer Lorrin Taliaferro assisted in managing the day-to-day camp and activities. Several other women assisted throughout the week, including University of Massachusetts Boston Police Sgt. Dianne Kirkpatrick, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Shannon Reeves, Reading Police Deputy Chief Christine Amendola, MAWLE President/Wellesley Police Lt. Marie Cleary, Endicott College Public Safety and Police Chief Kerry Ramsdell, Boston Police Sgt. Detective Maria Galvao, Boston Police Detective Kathleen Senise, Boston Police Officer Lisa Venus, Boston Police Officer Mya Nunes, Boston Police Detective Monica Quinonez, Boston Police Detective Lakenya Webster, Boston Police civilian Kerry Ryan (Bureau of Community Engagement), Boston Police civilian Lieu Nguyen (C11 Community Service Office) and Rehoboth Police Officer Alora Clemens.
Throughout the week, camp participants met law enforcement and criminal justice professionals from many different agencies, and learned about the field through demonstrations, discussions, field trips and group activities. They forged friendships, overcame challenges, gained confidence, learned new skills, and throughout the week progressed in their personal growth.
On Monday, the campers attended a demonstration from Boston Police Officer Anne Maher and her K-9 partner Dash. They learned about setting financial goals, saving and credit from the City of Boston Credit Union. They were introduced to the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation, an organization that "advocates for a world where women are safe and free to live boldly and fearlessly." The campers learned they would participate in a “fun run” later in the week on behalf of the foundation as a community service project. In conjunction with the Foundation, members of the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office then led the campers through a self-defense workshop. The girls also got to meet Umass Boston's comfort dog Beacon!
On Tuesday campers participated in their workout of the day with an amped up dance class by Kelly Fitness, before heading to Boston Police District B2 in Roxbury. There they learned about processing a crime scene and collecting fingerprints from FBI Special Agent Courtney Pillsbury and Boston Police Officer Sarah Briggs. After getting leadership advice from Boston Police Deputy Superintendent Pamelia Harris and Captain Hossein the girls visited Sgt. Det. DeVito’s office with Det. Patrick Flaherty to see where evidence goes after it is collected, as well as learn how to take crime scene photographs.
The campers then spent the afternoon on a tour of Boston Police Headquarters. First, they were greeted by the newest member of the BPD family, comfort dog-in training, Copper! Then, members of Media Relations and the Homicide Unit stopped by to answer questions before the campers visited the following units: Operations, BRIC, Crime Lab, Firearms Analysis, and Video Evidence.
On Wednesday campers visited Boston Municipal Court Central Division with Assistant Chief Court Officer Stephanie Cruz. They met staff from Probation as well as several attorneys and other court employees. They learned about court procedures during a discussion with Chief Justice Tracy-Lee Lyons also prepared a mock trial for the girls to participate in. Several other judges stopped by to greet the campers including Justice Howe, Justice Rivers, Justice Treseler, and Justice Dewar. Later, campers toured the Charlestown Navy Yard, including the USS Constitution. They spoke to US Park Rangers, before visiting Boston Police District A15. They also spoke to US Park Rangers Riley and Dave and met their comfort dog Oscar!
On Thursday, the campers took a field trip to the new Top Golf in Canton where they enjoyed learning a new activity and playing some lawn games. Campers grabbed a sweet treat from Lazy Bear Creamery in Dorchester and then attended a first-aid course on handling traumatic wounds provided by Stop the Bleed organization, led by MAWLE camp leader Boston Police Officer Sarah Palermo and Boston Police Sergeant Detective John Burrows.
Closing out the week on Friday, campers were ready to run a mile for the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation fundraiser. They were cheered by camp staff, and even news reporter Katie Thompson of WCVB showed her support! After the run, Attorney General Andrea Campbell spoke to campers about her personal and professional triumphs to become the state’s first elected female of color in a statewide position. She imparted on the girls the importance of justice, self-help, and support systems. Next, Mariellen Burns from the Boston Police Media Relations Unit, taught the girls how to improve their public speaking skills. Luckily, her homework prepared the girls for their cameo's on the news that morning!
The day and week culminated with an outdoor cookout celebration, hosted by the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad Trooper Scott Irish showed off K-9 Pippen and Spot the bomb robot dog to campers, while Sutton Police Donald Lemieux flew his drone over the festivities. Several women from the Boston chapter of the 40 Plus Double Dutch Club, including a few women in law enforcement, demonstrated their skills for the girls, and let them practice their jumping, hooping and skipping.
Following the camp, MAWLE received the following messages from campers and parents:
"I want to thank everyone that made this week such a memorable experience for the girls. Maddie came home excited to tell us about the crime scene investigation, exploring the city on exciting field trips, and meeting various law enforcement agencies. Maddie was thrilled to learn self-defense skills and so many other important life lessons. After day three Maddie instantly said " I want to do this Camp again next year!" Thank you for being a positive role model to the girls. I hope the last day is great," - Parent.
"The MAWLE camp has been an amazing experience for our daughter. She has learned so much, and has made many new friends. We are so grateful for the opportunity and for the dedication of our women leaders in law enforcement who are so dedicated to ensuring the leaders of tomorrow have strong role models and a better understanding of law enforcement," - Parent.
"It's so good to be around women that really care about us, they're so cool. They're like a bunch of aunties," said camper Laila.
MAWLE would like to thank the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association for allowing use of their space for the camp. MAWLE also extends its thanks to the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston (LLEGO) for being its main sponsors this year. MAWLE also appreciates the individual sponsorships from Erin Carcia, Jennifer Paster, Nora Baston, Heidi Fialho, Tom Parlon, Jessica Walsh, Linda Walsh-Romano and Lisa Venus.
