While Officer Lucey will be training at the Police Academy next year, for the first few months of 2018-2019 school year, two new faces will be seen in the halls to help out here at Triton.

   Officer Joseph Gamache, a Triton Alumnus  and Officer William Leblond are Triton’s new school resource officers. Get to know your new officers in 10 questions!

Q & A with Officer Gamache:

   Q: Why did you want to become a school resource officer?

          A: It was brought to my attention that Officer Lucy was going to the academy and they offered the position to me to take as a fill in for him while he was gone. I jumped on it because I went to school here and graduated here in 2009, and it’s easily relatable. Officer Lucy explained what he goes through everyday being here and it’s very interesting, it’s very good dealing with anything, talking interaction with the public and stuff like that. That’s stuff I enjoy a lot so this position will be good for me.

      Q: How has Triton changed since you went here?

         A: Being here, I’ve noticed the social media and being on your phone. When I was here, you weren’t allowed to have your phone out at all. Just seeing that and kids now just being able to go on your phone more and like doing whatever you want, it’s big. You guys have emails and stuff like that. We didn’t have that ability to have a school email and interact with teachers. That’s really the biggest thing. The layout is the same, and teachers to me are the same.

    Q: If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be and why?

    A: I’d probably say outgoing, very invested and interested, and very easy to talk to.

Q: What is the most important part of your job?

A:  Keeping the public safe, that’s really what the job entails here at Triton, on the streets. That’s all the basis of the job is you work for the public and keep them safe to your best ability.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: My main hobby would probably be golfing, I picked that up after high school and started doing that, it’s pretty relaxing. I have a seven month old son so walking him to the park is pretty cool.

Q: What are you looking forward to about working here next year?

A: I’ll have a better understanding of what to do because this is like the stepping stone point of starting obviously with today and the rest of the school year. It’s a little bit easier because the seniors are already gone and it’s less to take on. I’ll be more involved when I get back in the fall, and really get things rolling and more comfortable. The kids are really nice too and say hi to me and stuff like that so it’s pretty cool.

Q: Who is your biggest role model and why?

A: My father, he was a police officer too in Rowley and retired a couple years ago. He definitely got me into the profession and got me interested in doing this job. Just seeing what he went through growing up, I didn’t really have an understanding but I was so interested in what he was doing because he didn’t really disclose what he did as his job but you would see what he dealt with. I would stop by his office and see what he was working on and knew I wanted to be doing stuff like that.

Q: Is there any policies or anything you would change in the school district?

A: I don’t think so, not that I’ve really seen so far, anything that’s alarming. I think the district is pretty well structured as it has been, they do a pretty good job.  

Q: What/who is most important to you in your life?

A: Definitely my son and fiance.

Q: What’s it like being a new father?

A: It’s cool, you go to work before and you’re like okay it’s another day at work, and the days go by so much quicker now because you can’t wait to get home and see your son, things kind of change a little bit. You can look forward to something when you get out of work which makes the day better almost because you know you’re getting to something. I have fun spending time with him.

Additional fun fact: Officer Gamache is mostly Italian, but his last name is French-Canadian.

Q & A with Officer Leblond:

Q: Why did you want to become a school resource officer?

A: I wanted to become a School Resource Officer (SRO) because it is a different side of the job. I normally work overnight shifts (11 pm – 7 am) and I have been doing that for almost four years now. Becoming SRO is a nice change of pace and presents a new challenge for me. As an SRO, I get to interact with the community on a non-enforcement basis, and allows me to be a positive role model for the students. One of the reasons why I got into law enforcement is because I enjoy helping people. If I can make a positive impact on someone on any level, then I’ve done my job. That being said, I am happy to answer any questions students may have about an issue they are having, or if they want to pursue a career in law enforcement, I am always available during the school day.

Q: What’s it like being back in a high school atmosphere?

A:  Before I started, I wondered what it would be like…as in all honesty, I was never a fan of school growing up. Being here as a police officer basically puts me in the same pool as faculty members, so even though I am in school again, it’s a little bit different, and I don’t feel like a student. I do however get some nostalgia while I am here, especially when walking the halls and monitoring lunch.

Q: Where did you go to high school?

A:  I went to St. John’s Prep in Danvers, which has also made this assignment somewhat challenging, as I have been figuring out how to get around the school for the last month when I was shadowing Officer Lucey. Fortunately I have it down now…for the most part!

Q: What’s the most important part of your job?

A: The most important part of being a police officer is being able to think quickly on your feet while being able to deal with all different types of people from all different backgrounds. It is also very important to stay sharp both physically and mentally. You have to keep yourself in top physical shape, and keep up to date on any law changes and legal updates.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: My biggest hobby is definitely staying in shape and hitting the gym. I enjoy lifting weights, running, and I also train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (wrestling/grappling) as well as boxing/kickboxing. Aside from that, I enjoy spending time with my dog Sadie, she’s a 1.5 year old pit bull mix, and I also enjoy spending time with friends and family. I am also a huge Boston sports fan.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about working here during next year’s school year?

A: I am looking forward to creating good working relationships with the administration, faculty, and students.

Q: Who is your biggest role model and why?

A: My biggest role model is my Uncle. He has taught me the value of hard work and integrity, and when you work hard enough, it can pay off in remarkable ways.

Q: Is there any policies/ anything in general that you think needs to be changed in the Triton district?

A: At this time, I don’t see any district policies that need to be changed. Once I’m here for a bit and get a better understanding on how things are run, I may be able to contribute some ideas regarding any changes.

Q: Who/ what is most important to you?

A: Family first, always!

Q: Is there any additional fun facts you would like to share?

A: I was born and raised on the North Shore. After graduating from St. John’s in 2010 I went on to study Sociology and Criminal Justice at Suffolk University in Boston. In 2014 I graduated from Suffolk with my Bachelors of Science degree. While I was at Suffolk, I interned with the Massachusetts State Police at their Andover barracks. After I graduated from Suffolk I was hired with the Newbury Police Department and that’s where you find me now! I enjoy my job very much, I call it a “front row seat to the greatest show on earth.” I’ve seen a lot of things and have had many great experiences. Now as School Resource Officer, I am looking forward to a new challenge serving the Triton Regional School District.