For Immediate Release

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Methuen Police Sergeant Completes Boston Marathon

METHUEN – Chief Solomon is pleased to announce that Sgt. Eric Ferreira of the Methuen Police Department ran the 2016 Boston Marathon as part of the Perkins Marathon Team benefiting the Perkins School for the Blind.

Sgt. Ferreira, who completed the marathon in just under four hours, has a personal connection to the Perkins School: his 10-year-old son, Eric, attends. The Perkins School taught Eric his first use of sign language, a skill that greatly improved his quality of life as he slowly lost the ability to verbally communicate. Born blind, Eric can be found dancing his way through campus – sometimes backwards – with the use of his white cane.

The team has raised $25,765 to date. All proceeds went to the Perkins School in an effort to help blind children and young adults reach their full potential.

“I am very proud of Sgt. Ferreira for his dedication to both the Perkins School and his marathon training,” Chief Solomon said. “He serves as an example not only for our department, but also for his family and fellow parents of children at the Perkins School.”

Karin Kucukistepanoglu, a dispatcher for the Methuen Police Department and volunteer for the Boston Marathon for the past 14 years, was on the route to cheer on Sgt. Ferreira. Additionally, Perkins School students, family, and staff were scattered throughout the route cheering on the Perkins Team. Ferreira’s family, friends, and in-laws awaited him in Natick, while Ferreira’s father met him at the Finish Line.

Sgt. Ferreira has been a member of the Methuen Police Department for 3 1/2 years, and was promoted to his current rank in January. He previously served as an officer at the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Md., and for the Hudson, N.H. police department. A member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves for over 14 years, Sgt. Ferreira has been deployed twice to Iraq. Upon becoming a member of the Methuen Police Department, he attended the 20th Recruit Officer Course at the Boylston Police Academy. He currently lives in Methuen with his wife, Rebecca, and his two sons, Eric Jr. and Davis.

“I would like to thank my entire department, especially Chief Solomon, for their support during my training, fundraising and race,” Sgt. Ferreira said. “It was an honor to bring awareness to an organization that has so strongly impacted my own family.”

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