MSO IN THE NEWS

On Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Middlesex Sheriff James V. DiPaola presented awards to four outstanding members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office in honor of National Correctional Officers Week. A ceremony honoring this year’s recipients was held at Soldier's Memorial Hall in Melrose, MA.

“Correctional Officers Week is a chance to recognize and pay tribute to an often unheralded group of public servants. Correctional officers put themselves at risk every day working side by side with convicted criminals, unarmed and outnumbered. They work tirelessly at the care, custody and control of every inmate and to preserve the sanctity of the justice system,” Sheriff DiPaola said. “Their work extends far beyond the prison tiers. Through community work and rehabilitation programs correctional officers induce the successful reintegration of inmates into society, rendering our communities safer. These silent guardians of law enforcement deserve our respect and our gratitude.”

“Today’s award recipients certainly represent the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office with honor and dignity. More importantly, they are shining examples of how a correctional officer’s impact reaches far beyond the razor-wired walls of a prison or jail,” Sheriff DiPaola said. “Correctional officers are often misunderstood and underappreciated but despite their job’s lack of sexy, pop-culture spotlight, they play one of the most important roles in public safety: they are the silent guardians of law enforcement.”

Officer Nikeya Berry is an asset to the Cambridge facility. Since her start here at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office her work ethic has been second to none. Perhaps her biggest skill is her versatility – Nikeya has worked in every unit of the jail and excelled in each area. From the front office dealing with the public, to the honor guard, to the canteen, to even filling in as a caseworker, Nikeya exemplifies the ever-changing, fluid occupation that is a correctional officer. She has proven she is more than capable to handle anything that may come her way. Nikeya’s tenacity and integrity have allowed her to develop quickly in her position and assume a leadership role among the younger officers. She presents creative ideas to complex problems behind the bars and her potential is limitless. Nikeya was described by her peers as having a “broad range of capabilities, coupled with strong, personal drive.”

Assistant deputy superintendent Robert Nolan is a vital piece to the daily success of the House of Correction in Billerica. Significant changes have been made at the House of Correction, both in facility and in philosophy – and Robert has helped transition everyone and everything. He took the plan for the new facility and implemented it with clarity and efficiency, updating old programs and influencing his peers and inmates. He has taken on myriad roles to help bring corrections in Middlesex County into the modern era. Simply put, Robert makes the assessment unit run and has continuously been a leader and the go-to guy regarding any and all issues that may arise around the facility. He deals with inmate issues, staff issues and the public through strike two tours with the utmost professionalism and respect. These are just a few examples of how far Robert’s influence reaches. With his quiet, humble yet strong demeanor, Robert has become a role model and an example of how one man can truly make a difference in another’s life. According to his peers Robert’s, “contributions over this past year have risen above the expectations of the office and they have done so in a non-assuming and humble manner.”

Captain Robert Pacheco does a superior job on the 4-12 shift in Cambridge. In reading the nominations for Robert, we found a common theme – he is skilled at interpersonal communication. He listens and incorporates the input from his peers in order to supervise effectively and efficiently. This translates into his excellent rapport with the public. His organization is second to none – and it has to be, considering the sometimes chaotic atmosphere of records and receiving and the amount of responsibilities that rest upon Robert’s shoulders. Each day his job requires him to think on his feet to accommodate unexpected events and challenges. Captain Pacheco excels at getting the job done – and getting it done right. He is the perfect example of fairness and respect, both with detainees and his fellow officers. Because of Captain Pacheco’s consistently outstanding performance on the job, we are proud to recognize him as the 2008 administrator of the year for the Cambridge facility.

For the past 32 years Gordie Clark has dedicated his life to serving and protecting his fellow citizens. Now a lieutenant with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, Gordie is known county-wide for his amazing K-9 training skills, his handling of the animals and his own professional accomplishments. With his K-9 partner Officer Lox close by his side, Lt. Clark has changed lives and made a significant impact on the community he loves so dearly. Lt. Clark’s courage is second to none and he is without a doubt a hero – because of his service, enormous amounts of narcotics have been removed from the streets. The amount is extraordinary. In 2007 alone the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and K-9 units around the county trained by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, seized the following: 8,000 grams of cocaine; 2,000 grams of heroin; 80 pounds of marijuana; 50 firearms or weapons; arrested 50 violent felons; and seized $2.5 million in drug-related cash.

None of this would have been possible without the leadership, professionalism and skill of Lt. Gordie Cark. He has been an integral part in some of the county’s biggest drug busts, ever and has been commended by mayors, police chiefs and district attorneys across New England. He is most deserving of every ounce of recognition that comes his way. Lt. Gordie Clark and K-9 Officer Lox were escorted onto the stage by K-9 Officers from around Middlesex County, all of whom were trained and mentored by Lt. Clark.