NORTHBOROUGH – For the first time in over 22 years, Northborough has appointed a female police officer to the Police Department.
Melissa Lonergan was appointed as a full-time police officer by the Board of Selectmen during the board’s March 14 meeting. The appointment is effective April 1.
Chair Jason Perreault welcomed Lonergan and thanked her for attending the March 14 meeting.
“[We’re] certainly very glad to have you joining the force here in Northborough,” he continued.
Lonergan has passed her entry requirements, psychological evaluation, medical screening and physical ability test.
She has been accepted and enrolled at the Northern Essex Community College Police Academy in Haverhill.
Lonergan currently works as a victim witness advocate in the office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early.
Lonergan, who lives in Worcester and has two children, graduated from Medway High School and received her bachelor’s in human services. She also serves as a behavioral health specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Chief William Lyver noted that, while Lonergan is not the first female police officer that the town has hired, she is the first “in a long, long time.”
“I hope she is the first of many more to come,” he said.
Hiring a female officer was a goal that the police department set about six years ago, Lyver said, adding that he is glad to see it come to fruition.
Lonergan thanked the department, the selectmen and Lyver, who she said had been helpful and welcoming.
“I’m really excited and eager to be part of this great community of Northborough and break barriers and blaze a path for females in the future that police officers look like me too,” Lonergan said.
Lonergan said she was eager to get started.
Selectman Leslie Rutan, who was part of the committee that interviewed Lonergan, said she was a very impressive candidate. Rutan had “nothing but wonderful” things to say about her and her background.
“You’ve obviously done so many things with your life that indicate that you’re a knowledgeable, professional, motivated and dedicated individual,” Rutan said. “We’re very proud that you wanted to come to Northborough and serve our community.”
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