Last week, the Fitchburg State University Police Department hosted an Active Attack Integrated Response (AAIR) course through ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training).

This intensive 16-hour, two-day program brought together regional police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and dispatchers to enhance tactical coordination during critical emergencies. The curriculum focused on integrated rescue task force concepts, unified command, and point-of-injury medical intervention.

Special thanks to the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), and ALERRT for facilitating this essential training. Inter-agency collaboration remains vital to ensuring the safety and preparedness of our campus and surrounding communities.

Orientation isn’t just for our newest Falcons—it’s for their support systems, as well. While our incoming students spent the day diving into information sessions to prep for the fall, their parents and families participated in their own comprehensive transition programming — including campus safety with UPD Deputy Chief Lamarche, student services, and meeting with our Academic Deans. 

The Fitchburg State University Police Department is proud to announce the formal promotion of Andrew Lamarche to the rank of Deputy Chief. Following his official appointment on July 12, Deputy Chief Lamarche was sworn into his new role during a ceremony held at Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge.

 Protecting, serving, and thriving right alongside our community!  Today is #PublicServiceDay, and we want to send a massive shoutout to the incredible officers and staff of the Fitchburg State University Police Department! Our campus police are so much more than a department—they are a deeply integral part of our daily university life. From keeping our campus secure to connecting with students, offering guidance, and always being ready to jump into campus activities (even if it means braving the mechanical bull at a campus event! ), they show up for our flock every single day with professionalism and pride. Thank you to our dedicated officers, dispatchers, and staff for your unwavering commitment to our safety, your mentorship, and your constant support of student life. 

As we observe National Police Week, Fitchburg State University extends its gratitude to our University Police Department.

 Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy welcomed middle school students from Fitchburg, Leominster, Ayer/Shirley and Gardner for the Future Falcon Academy this week. This immersive week long experience provided each student with a fun and meaningful introduction to university life. Students participated in a variety of engaging activities, including a Fitchburg State University Student Panel and Q&A, College 101 Fair, Animals with a Purpose: How Dogs Support People Every Day, Equity and Diversity in a Multicultural Society, a tour of the Fitchburg State University Police Department, recreational time in the game room, and much more.

Alum Dan Richard of DG Richard Associates, LLC brought a wealth of expertise as he provided training for our Fitchburg State University Police Department today. Sessions focused on two critical pillars of their work: Leadership Development: Strengthening our team from the inside out, and Procedural Integrity: Ensuring all investigations are conducted with constitutional and procedural soundness. Continuous learning is how our Fitchburg State University Police Department stay sharp and serve our community better.

While students are on break, the Fitchburg State University Police Department uses this time as an opportunity to brush up on their skills with varied training sessions. Here, Sgt. Timothy Grant runs a first aid & CPR refresher for our officers. 

We couldn't let National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day pass without a massive shout-out to Chief Michael Cloutier and the entire  Fitchburg State University Police  team! 

At Fitchburg State University, policing is about more than safety—it’s about community. Whether they’re at a student forum, cheering at an event, or just stopping for a chat in the quad, our officers go above and beyond to keep our campus welcoming and approachable. We’re incredibly lucky to have a team that prioritizes building trust and genuine friendships over everything else.