Winsted police chief receives Paragon Award

BRISTOL >> The Bristol Community College Alumni Paragon Awards were held Thursday, March 23 in the Commonwealth College Center (G-Building), BCC Fall River Campus, 777 Elsbree Street. Now in its second year, the Paragon Alumni Award honors the efforts of an outstanding and inspiring group of alumni.

The Alumni Paragon Award is the most distinguished award, given to graduates of the college who demonstrate excellence in their careers, service to the College, and substantial community involvement. The names of those who receive this honor will be installed on the Paragon Wall to inspire generations of future alumni.

Chief William Fitzgerald ‘79, Chief of Police, Winchester Police Department, was among the recipients. In a press release, award officials wrote, “William Fitzgerald knows how to make a difference. After growing up in Newport, RI, Bill pursued higher education and earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Bristol Community College. Post-BCC, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University before beginning his career at the Newport Police Department. After working his way up to Lieutenant, Bill moved on to his current role as the Chief of Police for the Winchester Connecticut Police Department.

“Bill continues to give back to his region he serves as a board member of the Newport Community School, was appointed baseball manager by the Newport School Committee and served as the president of the Underwood School Parent Teacher Organization. His dedication to his alma mater is unwavering; he consistently returns to BCC to serve as a guest lecturer to students in the Criminal Justice Program.”

Other recipients of the 2017 Alumni Paragon Awards were Jo Ann Bentley ’80; President of Jo Ann Bentley Architect, Inc.; and (Retired) Assistant Clerk Magistrate of the New Bedford District Court Cynthia Rose ’70.

The Outstanding Service Award is given to alumni who are making significant achievements and contributions to their profession or community and/or share a commitment to the service of others in their community. Recipients included Ann M. Borges ‘88, President, Ann M. Borges, LLC; Christopher R. Carreiro ‘10, Attorney at Law, Partner Attorney, Carreiro Phillis, PLLC – Attorneys at Law; John DaLuz ‘68, Retired Commander, Aurora (CO) Police Department; Sari Fonseca ‘91, Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Plymouth; Marcus J. Gesner ‘97, Vice President Post Market Quality Assurance, Boston Scientific Corp. ; Philip Oliveira ‘83, Director of Global Procurement, Dell Corporation; Melissa M. Pacheco ‘94, Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Charlton College of Business at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; David Ragsdale, Executive Producer/Director/Owner, Hot Buttered Content, Inc.; Chief John M. Souza ‘77, Retired Chief of Police, Fall River Police Department; and Martha F. Wiggins ‘09, Executive Chef, Sylvain Restaurant, New Orleans

The Alumna of the Year Award is given to an alumnus or alumna who, through professional achievement or personal dedication, has demonstrated an outstanding commitment and accomplishment to their field or to the community. The award was presented to Elaine Emond ’80, President of Almost Home Nursery and Daycare.

The Distinguished African American Alumnus Award is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated achievement in their profession, made significant contributions to their community, and achieved notable service to Bristol Community College. The recipient of this award also demonstrates commitment to improving educational access for disadvantaged or nontraditional students, notable civic achievement, and has overcome formidable barriers to success in education or in their careers. The 2017 Distinguished African American Alumnus was awarded to Construction Task Supervisor at the Bechtel Corporation, Christopher A. Oyenuga ‘10, ’12. The Maury Kusinitz Volunteer of the Year Award is given annually to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of Bristol Community College. The recipient was Erwin A. Apaza ‘10, Manager of Threads, Screen Printing, and Alterations

For more information about the BCC Alumni Paragon Awards, vis it h tt p:// www.bristolc c.edu/a bo utbcc/alu mnias sociation/paragon/