The Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) proudly celebrated the first graduate of the MPTC Scholarship Program, a milestone achievement for both the recipient and the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to creating accessible pathways into law enforcement. This initiative was designed to support economically disadvantaged and/or underrepresented populations across the state. It reflects a strategic investment in public safety by addressing workforce challenges and expanding the pipeline of well-trained police recruits.

Officer Nayalis Hernandez recently completed the rigorous Recruit Officer Course (ROC) with the MPTC-NECC Police Academy 7th ROC and shared her reflections on what the scholarship and academy experience meant to her, highlighting the challenges, growth, and sense of purpose that came with the journey. Her experience captures the spirit of this initiative and the promise it holds for future officers across Massachusetts.

Officer Nayalis Hernandez reflected on her time at the academy as an experience filled with growth, challenges, and connections. As a self-sponsored student officer and scholarship recipient not yet employed by a department, she found the journey uniquely challenging and at times overwhelming. Although not receiving pay made the process difficult, her determination and passion for law enforcement kept her focused on completing the academy. Her perseverance and the support of the scholarship opportunity paid off as during the academy, she received a job offer and is now proudly serving as a full-time officer at the Bunker Hill Community College Police Department.

Hernandez expressed deep gratitude for the support and encouragement she received from both MPTC-NECC Academy Director Stokel and Bunker Hill Community College Police Chief Barrows, whose guidance played a vital role in helping her navigate the demands of the academy. She shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of the academy was the camaraderie built among classmates—individuals who began as strangers but grew into a close-knit team.

While she admits that the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) training was the toughest challenge, Officer Hernandez looks back on the academy experience with pride and appreciation. The lessons learned, friendships formed, and support from her mentors have made her journey toward a meaningful law enforcement career truly unforgettable.

This article was provided by The Municipal Police Training Committee