By Theresa Knapp

The Mendon Police Cadet Program officially began on Nov. 20 with the appointment of two cadets, Nicholas Lucia and Harrison Quartarone. 

The program serves as a transitional role between internships and full-time law enforcement positions, tailored to individual cadets’ readiness and career paths.

Mendon Police Corporal Nicholas Erskine oversees the program under the direction of Lieutenant Donald Blanchette. Erskine said, “The program was developed to bridge the gap between law enforcement education and real-world experience. It benefits both the community and the department by supporting essential operations while preparing the next generation of public safety professionals.”

The Mendon Select Board appointed the first Mendon Police cadets on Nov. 20. (L to R) Select Board members Alejna Brugos, Michael Merolli, Michael Goddard, Brendan Chenelle, Jason Kuter; Cadet Nicholas Lucia and Cadet Harrison Quartarone; Mendon Police Chief David Kurczy, Corporal Nicholas Erskine, Officer Justin Kulesza. Courtesy photo

He said both Lucia and Quartarone “demonstrated strong dedication to public safety and were selected as our first cadets.”

Lucia is a West Brookfield resident and senior at Fitchburg State University, enrolled in the 4+1 Police Program. 

Quartarone is a Norfolk resident, MassBay Community College graduate, and dispatcher for the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center.

While in the program, cadets gain hands-on training in CPR, First Aid, mental health, and public safety fundamentals. They participate in ride-alongs, community outreach, various projects, and administrative tasks, providing an immersive look into policing.

The Mendon Police Department benefits through strengthening operational efficiency and building a future talent pipeline. Erskine said, “By mentoring cadets, the department fosters leadership and recruits well-prepared candidates for law enforcement careers.”

And the Town of Mendon also benefits as cadets provide assistance with community events, lobby staffing, and non-emergency calls, which allows officers to focus on urgent matters while improving the public’s experience.

Erskine says the Mendon Police Cadet Program is one of just a few in Worcester County that deeply integrates cadets into police operations. “This unique approach provides increased access to training and real-world experience while enhancing community engagement and operational capacity. The program demonstrates the department’s forward-thinking leadership and commitment to building a strong future for law enforcement.”

“The program demonstrates the department’s forward-thinking leadership and

commitment to building a strong future for law enforcement.”

-Corporal Nicholas Erskine Mendon Police Cadet Program

Erskine says the program is cost-effective as cadets volunteer much of their time, and any paid hours are funded through existing department budgets. “Their initiative in purchasing certain uniform items underscores their commitment to the role.”

For more information on the cadet program, visit bit.ly/MendonPoliceCadetProgram.