Students, local police officers and staff embarked on the “Cruising with a Cop” boat tour. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is excited to share that a group of Old Rochester Regional’s SAIL summer program students successfully embarked on a “Cruising with the Cops” boat tour with officers from the Marion, Rochester and Mattapoisett police departments.
“We met at the Marion Maritime Center where students were given a safety tutorial, life jackets, and then went into the boats,” said Old Rochester Special Education Teacher Danielle Dore. “The Harbormasters and officers took us to Bird Island, toured the light house, walked the beach, and more. The smiles of all the students were unforgettable, and on the way back to campus they voted that it was the best community outing of all time!”
Officers from each department participated in the event on Wednesday, July 23.
“As always, the efforts of our community police went above and beyond yet again and we appreciate all they do to support our students in the community,” Dore added.
“Thank you to all of the Tri-Town Officers involved for providing the kids with this experience,” said Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli. “We remain committed to our strong partnership with the Old Rochester Regional School District and this program is another example of that commitment.”
The students who took the cruise are enrolled in the Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) program, which is open to both Tri-Town residents and non-residents.
“I am always saying how fortunate we are to have the partnerships that we do with our three local police departments,” said Superintendent Nelson. “What an incredible opportunity and what a memorable day for all involved!”
Rochester Police Chief Michael A. Assad Jr. shared words of gratitude for the law enforcement professionals who helped make Wednesday’s cruise possible.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to Marion Harbormaster Adam Murphy, the Mattapoisett Police Department, and the Rochester Police Department’s incredible Community Engagement Team for making our Cruising with Cops Boat Tour a huge success,” said Chief Assad. “We were able to take some amazing young adults out on the high seas today. Not sure who had a more enjoyable time, the cops or the kids!”
Chief Assad credited the successful cruise to a combined Tri-Town effort. He said Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli and Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King “were instrumental in making it happen.”
“This event would not have been possible without the dedication, coordination, and teamwork displayed by everyone involved,” said Chief Assad. “The support on the water by the Marion Harbormaster, Mattapoisett Harbormaster and the hard work of our Community Engagement Team onshore and behind the scenes turned a vision into reality — and brought our community together in a truly unforgettable way. Thank you all for showing what partnership and public service can accomplish when we work together. Here’s to many more successful cruises ahead!”
Chief King praised the “ongoing dedication” of Mattapoisett Police Department’s Marine Resource Officer Isaac Perry and Marion Harbormaster Adam Murphy, “whose commitment has been instrumental to the continued success of this important program.”
“Their unwavering focus on youth outreach and community engagement reflects the highest standards of public service,” said Chief King. “Equally vital is the strong and effective partnership among the Rochester, Marion, and Mattapoisett Police Departments. This collaborative effort continues to serve as the foundation for making programs like this possible, strengthening public safety and deepening community trust across the Tri-Town area. We hope all our boaters had a safe and enjoyable day on the water!”
“A program like this requires a lot of cooperation from our community partners in law enforcement,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Jaime Curley. “Thanks to their dedication and willingness to help us enrich our students’ SAIL experience, these children will likely never forget the day they first set sail.”
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The students, officers and staff embarked on the “Cruising with a Cop” boat tour on Wednesday, July 23. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
This view from Bird Island Lighthouse greeted the students who entered the historic structure. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
The SAIL Life Skills Program and Transition Program classes posed for a photo on the balcony of the new Maritime Harbormaster Center. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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