FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 1, 2014

CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
(617) 704-6682

SHERIFF TOMPKINS WELCOMES US MARSHAL JOHN GIBBONS TO SPEAK AT SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins (brown suit) welcomed U.S. Marshal John Gibbons to the Nashua Street Jail where he spoke with members of the Sheriff’s Department Summer Enrichment Program.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department recently introduced a Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) for eleventh and twelfth grade high school students interested in the world of law enforcement. In addition to participating in job shadowing internships and field trips every week, program participants receive the opportunity to meet and speak with professionals from the world of law enforcement.

Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins welcomed this week’s speaker, United States Marshal John Gibbons, to the Nashua Street Jail. Marshal Gibbons, who was appointed to the position by President Barrack Obama in January of 2010, spoke to the participants about a wide variety of topics, including his past career as a football player, his educational pursuits (including his current work as a doctoral student in education at American International College), his family background, and his journey to becoming the U.S. Marshal of the District of Massachusetts.

During his speech, he emphasized the importance of education – particularly reading and writing – in becoming successful not only in law enforcement, but most other endeavors.

After fielding questions posed by SEP participants about his role as U.S. Marshal, he emphasized to them that they should utilize their time in the program to learn as much as possible.

“I wish you all the best,” said U.S. Marshal Gibbons. “Listen and pay attention. Absorb as much as you can while you’re here, make good contacts, and give that extra effort in school.”

Following the lecture, Marshal Gibbons expressed his happiness about participating in the program and spoke about its impact.

“It’s always important that I reach out and help someone else to reach their goals,” said Marshal Gibbons. “Over the 225th year period of Marshal Service, I’m the first African–American ever to be appointed the U.S. Marshal of Massachusetts. That’s why I have to do my best when I do this job and represent it well. I have to be a role model. When I was in eighth or ninth grade, one of the first Black New Jersey State Police troopers came into my school and I always remembered him. I saw a lot of negative stuff about the state police in my neighborhood growing up [so it was meaningful to meet him]. That’s why it’s important for me help others.”

Sheriff Tompkins also expressed how grateful he was that Marshal Gibbons was able to come and impart words of wisdom to the young group.

“I’m very pleased that these students were able to speak with a man who has made great strides in the world of law enforcement,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “Marshal Gibbons has so much knowledge to offer and I have no doubt that the participants of our program had a lot to take away from his visit.”

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