In Rockland, the Selectmen recognized Police Appreciation Day in town with a small ceremony.
The Board unanimously voted on the proclamation, making the first Saturday in September Police Appreciation Day and the first Saturday in October Fire Appreciation Day.
Selectman Chair Mike O’Loughlin says they have an “exemplary police department.” Following nationwide police protests, they wanted to show support.
“These men and women are so well-trained, so educated, that it’s important to not lump them in with bad apples thousands of miles away,” said O’Loughlin. “They do a really great job, they continue to make the town proud every time they’re put to the test, and we appreciate that.”
“The behaviors of the men and women of the Rockland Police force are something that makes the community proud. We tell them we appreciate that, they’ll continue to do it,” said O’Loughlin. “I think it’s important, especially in this day and age where police have been demonized across the country, that we show the men and women of Rockland that we as a town, we as a board, are behind them 100 percent.”
In addition to the Selectmen, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz and State Rep. Dave DeCoste attended the ceremony in front of the police station.
“It’s never a slow day for the Rockland Police and they do a terrific job,” said DeCoste. “They’re recognized across the community and I think the Commonwealth recognizes this is a superb department. Each one of the officers here deserves to be recognized.”
Food donations were brought to the station throughout the day.
Police Chief John Llewellyn says it’s a difficult time to be a police officer. Through unrest and the COVID pandemic, they’re still going to work.
“We were the heroes, we were getting donuts, we were getting pizzas delivered. We were getting waters and candy. People were reaching out to us for being out there and continuing to do the right thing. Some police officer 1,500-2,000 miles away commits a criminal act, and suddenly we’re all painted with that same broad brush,” said Llewellyn. “We haven’t changed. We continue to go out there every day, help the community and do the right thing for the town of Rockland and the visitors to Rockland.”
He says the appreciation day and support from elected leaders will go a long way to boost the morale in the department.
“We continue to train, even through these difficult times. We just sent the entire Sergeants and command staff to de-escalation training,” said Llewellyn. “That’s going to be brought up at roll calls every day. We continue to do diversity and communication skills training.”
When then pandemic ends, they’re hoping to restart a Citizens Police Academy so residents can learn and experience some of the daily scenarios the department faces.
Selectman Chair Mike O’Loughlin presents Police Chief John Llewellyn with a proclamation after the board voted to establish police and fire appreciation days in town.
Members of the Rockland Police Department posed for a photo after the ceremony. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
