Charlie Breitrose
Watertown’s newest police officers were sworn in on Thursday. Pictured, from left, Police Chief Micheal Lawn, officers Collin Geagan, Kyle Rooney, Megan Murphy, Don Pham, Lauren Girodano, Michael Dello Russo, and Town Manager Michael Driscoll.
The Watertown Police Department has half a dozen new police officers patrolling the streets after the WPD’s latest recruits were sworn in on Thursday afternoon.
Police Chief Michael Lawn welcomed the new officers: Megan Murphy, Kyle Rooney, Don Pham, Lauren Giordano, Michael Del Russo and Colin Geaghan.
All six made it through the WPD’s vetting process, including numerous interviews, a background investigation, physical and psychological testing. Then they attended a 24-week Police Academy.
The new officers have already experienced an intense situation. All of them responded to the scene of the incident Wednesday where a tow truck struck and killed a woman, and her son stabbed the driver.
“You saw firsthand (Wednesday) how quick things can happen,” Lawn said. “We had them out directing traffic.”
Charlie Breitrose
Watertown Town Clerk John Flynn, right, swears in Megan Murphy, one of six new Watertown Police officers sworn in Thursday.
The next step will be working with field training officer.
“They — along with this entire department — will help, guide, train, and support you each step of the way,” Lawn said. “You have a lot to learn and it will take time, but know that we are all here to help you every step of the way.”
Town Manager Michael Driscoll welcomed the new officers.
“The citizens of Watertown are very proud of their Police Department, a department that is progressive and is one of the best in the Commonwealth, and the nation,” Driscoll said, “and that the men and women of the police department work tirelessly to make Watertown a better place to live and work.”
Being a police officer is always challenging, and in recent years it has become more challenging, Lawn said.
“You are coming into a department and a community that have good, positive relationships,” Lawn said. “This is the key to policing. Your goal should be to become a part of the fabric of this community, and maintain and strengthen these relationships.”
Lawn added that the job of a police officer comes with great responsibilities.
“I ask you that every time you go out there you remember that you are not only representing yourself but also your family, this department and the Town of Watertown,” Lawn said.
Charlie Breitrose
Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn, front left, and Watertown Town Manager Michael Driscoll, front right, shake the hands of Watertown’s newest police officers.
More about six newly sworn in Watertown Police officers:
Megan Murphy – appointed Oct. 13, 2017, attended MBTA Police Academy, graduated from Watertown High School in 2012 and UMass, Boston in 2016. Her father Gary is on the Watertown Fire Department.
Kyle Rooney – appointed March 2, 2018, attended MBTA Police Academy, graduated from Watertown High School in 2014, and attended Westfield State College.
Don Pham – appointed March 2, 2018, attended MBTA Police Academy, graduated from Watertown High School in 2010 and Bay State College.
Lauren Giordano – appointed March 2, 2018, attended MBTA Police Academy, graduated from Watertown High School in 2012 and Stonehill College in 2016. Her father Ruch is a Waltham Police officer.
Michael Dello Russo – appointed March 2, 2018, attended MBTA Police Academy, graduated from Boston College High School in 2012 and Northeastern University in 2017. His sister Catherine is a Watertown Police officer.
Collin Geaghan – appointed March 30, 2018, attended MBTA Police Academy, graduated from Watertown High School in 2011 and Nichols College in 2015, member of the U.S. Marines Reserves. His father Tom is a Newton Police officer.
Congratulations to these six new Watertown police officers! Don Pham has been a long time family friend, we are especially proud of him.