Pride echoed through Weston Auditorium at Fitchburg State University on Wednesday, where the university celebrated its newest police academy graduates, all of whom are already headed to municipal police departments across Massachusetts.
The 9th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) members proudly completed the groundbreaking police program that blends academic and tactical training, allowing graduates to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with full certification to work in municipal police departments in just five years.
The program was developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Commission (MPTC).
Reflecting on their journey through the 9th ROC, Class Leader Christian Marsden highlighted how a tight-knit class of just five recruits endured rigorous physical and mental testing by leaning on teamwork, humor, and intensive training to turn dynamic chaos into a strong foundation for their police careers.
“To my classmates of the 9th, take a second to remind yourself of how far we have come,” said Marsden. “Through the last four years and in the academy, everything we have learned has shaped us to who we are today. Think back to staying up late studying, writing reports, gigs, making sure our uniforms are ironed and that we had all the gear for the next day. Quitting was never an option for the 9th. In the moments you thought it would never end, look at us here together on this stage. Continue being yourself and staying true to who you are. Serve with pride, integrity, discipline and be professional to your department, family and keep yourself healthy. Ninth, it is not always going to go the way you want, you will have difficult calls, don't hesitate to call me and hear my Boston accent.”
Marsden said that graduation would not have been possible if not for the structure and guidance from the drill instructors, physical training staff, family and the Fitchburg State University Police.
A special thank you went out to Academy Director Ola Wysocki.
“And to Director Wysocki, you are the foundation and backbone of this Academy/Police Program,” said Marsden. “Your hard work, commitment and dedication to the 9th ROC is unlike anything else. You go above and beyond to make sure everything is run smoothly and when it goes awry, you are always the first one to fix it. Your passion for making sure that we are prepared when we go to our departments is much appreciated. Every day of the academy you were there to steer us in the right direction and supported us to achieve our goals. Thank you for going above and beyond and being the director that everybody wants.”
Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge also addressed the graduates and guests.
Hodge recalled seeing the graduates cross the stage for their criminal justice degrees in May before watching them transition just two days later to the starkly different, demanding environment of "Day One" at the Academy, where they met every challenge with pride, poise, and readiness over the next 17 weeks.
“The new officers on the stage before you have earned the honors being bestowed upon them today,” said Hodge. “They have demonstrated grit and character, and dedication to a calling bigger than themselves as individuals.”
Hodge said she was proud of the university’s collective work and vision in supporting these officers and the classes before and after them, highlighting how dedicated faculty, librarians, and staff helped bridge academic inquiry with professional training in a groundbreaking model worth replicating.
“Today, I am most proud of you, the members of the 9th ROC,” said Hodge. “Your discipline and perseverance have led you here, to this stage, where you are being cheered on by family, friends and loved ones, who have believed in you, and, I imagine, been inspired by you. The members of the 10th ROC are in the audience today, looking to follow in your remarkable footsteps. You have set the example, and in this moment I want you to imagine the possibilities that lie before you. Think of the examples you will set in your daily careers, in your personal lives. Imagine the lives your work and your actions will affect.”
Hodge said the graduates had completed a rigorous academic curriculum while maintaining uncompromising standards for fitness and conduct.
“Very soon, you will be sworn in as police officers, and I know the police chiefs in the room are ready for you to report for duty and begin the work you have all pursued for the last four years, and sometimes longer,” said Hodge. “To the departments who have hired these remarkable officers, I offer congratulations. Your departments will benefit from the addition of these outstanding young men, who have so confidently proven they are ready and willing to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
For the majority of the 17 weeks, Wysocki referred to the 9th ROC as, “small but mighty.”
Wysocki highlighted the 9th’s exceptional empathy and character. She recalled that after presenting an Officer Down Memorial report on Auburn Police Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. at the end of their grueling first week, the recruits engaged in a deep, meaningful discussion about his life, adopting an attitude of deep gratitude rather than selfishness and self pity at the road ahead. Wysocki noted that this compassion carried through their training — such as when the class set aside their competitive drive during a charity 5K road race to slow their pace and support a struggling runner.
“On behalf of the staff, I want to thank you 9th for being you,” said Wysocki. “For daily dedication to the process of becoming police officers, for being emotionally intelligent and turning everything into a learning opportunity. Thank you for not getting caught up in being small, but realizing that is where your might comes from. So as the next step in your career starts I ask that you humor me as I give some advice.
“The next phase of your training begins, for most of you, as early as tomorrow,” said Wysocki. “Approach it as you have everything up until this point with bravery. At some point in your career you will get tired, whether it's one specific call or too many, do not lose faith in humanity or yourselves. One small step is movement, be persistent enough to ask for help so you can move forward. You will make mistakes, that’s part of life. Humility allows you to acknowledge you need to change, improve and grow. Trust the process, like you have these past four years and you will do great things.”
State Rep. and Double Falcon Michael Kushmerek, who studied criminal justice during his undergraduate years at Fitchburg State, stressed to the graduates to remember the importance of compassion as they enter their careers.
MPTC Director of Training Andrea Nardone was also on hand to congratulate the graduates.
The members of the 9th ROC and the departments that have hired them include: Class Leader Christian Marsden of Tewksbury (Somerville Police Department), First Squad Leader Collin Dudek of Fitchburg (Framingham Police Department), Jack Rouhana of Walpole (Walpole Police Department), Kole Broderick of Gill (Athol Police Department), and Jonah Sallese of Maynard (Sudbury Police Department).
Class Awards:
Academic Achievement Award – Kole Broderick
Physical Training Achievement Award – Kole Broderick
Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Award – Collin Dudek
Firearms Training (“Top Gun”) Award – Collin Dudek
100 Percent Award – Christian Marsden
Click to read in-depth magazine profiles on Dudek and Rouhana.
To learn more about the police program, please visit