Campus Police & Emergency Contacts

Chief Melissa Croteau

About Me

I have been with the Campus Police Department since 2002.
• Institutional Security Officer 2002-2003
• Campus Police Officer 2003-2009
• Campus Police Sergeant 2009-2011
• Campus Police Lieutenant 2011- 2022
• Campus Police Deputy Chief 2022- 2022
• Campus Police Chief 2022-Present

I am also a First Year Experience Adjunct Instructor at the College since 2011. Education has always been important to me and I am always learning. My education is the following:
• Ed.D Educational Leadership, University of New England
• M.Ed. Education, Teaching and Curriculum, Fitchburg State University
• B.S Criminal Justice, Fitchburg State University
• A.S Human Services, Mount Wachusett Community College
• A.S Criminal Justice, Mount Wachusett

Favorites

• I love to help people.
• Anything Pumpkin Spice!
• I love the fall and Halloween.
• I love the color green.
• My favorite foods would be Mexican and dill pickles!

Hobbies

• I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
• I love to camp and boat on Lake Winnipesaukee.
• I enjoy hiking.
• Anything arts and crafts!

“Everything happens for a reason.”
“You can do anything as long as you put your mind to it.”
“What goes around comes around.”
“You’re never too old to learn something new.”

Staff Assistant Danielle Benoit

About Me

I graduated from MWCC in 2014 and continued my education at Fitchburg State where I graduated with my master’s in criminal justice. When attending school for my master’s degree I worked in a regional dispatch center for a few years and I then moved on to corrections.

I am originally from Leominster but recently moved to Gardner with my husband.

Interests

• I love attending hockey or football games and all country music concerts!
• My favorite season is fall, for many reasons, like apple cider donuts, everything pumpkin spice, and the beautiful foliage that comes with it.
• I enjoy anything outdoors whether it be hunting, fishing, hiking or boating.
• I love everything to do with sunflowers!

Where can you find me?

My office is located at the Gardner Campus right next to the bookstore. I work Monday through Friday 7:30-3:30 pm. If you need to reach me, my office number is 978-630-9142. I hope to see you around, please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself!

“Never give up because the beginning is always the hardest part.”

Police Lieutenant Jim Halkola

I have been employed at Mount Wachusett Community College campus police department since 2008. I held the rank of sergeant for 8 years, and recently have been promoted to lieutenant. I am a product of the local area, i have served the country as a sailor in the united states navy, and for the past twenty-three years as a police officer for the towns of Hubbardston, Phillipston and Templeton.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

I am not saying I was born to be a police officer but every watch I complete, I find out why I am a police officer.

“And then there are those blessed with the gift of aggression, an overpowering need to protect the flow. These men are the rare breed who live to confront the world. They are the sheepdog.”

Police Officer Joyce Kirkwood

About Me

I graduated from the University of New Haven with a bachelor's in Criminal Justice/Investigative Services in 2008. I have been a Campus Police Officer since 2012. I am an instructor for MWCC in Rage Aggression Defense (R.A.D) and Active Shooter (A.L.I.C.E) as well as a sexual assault investigator for our department.

Please don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello!

Favorites

• I love to travel and explore new places.
• Fall is my favorite time of the year.
• If I didn’t go into law enforcement I would have gone to culinary school.
• I would do anything for my family and friends!
• Reading is my favorite hobby!
• If you look up crazy cat lady in the dictionary my picture would be there.

“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” Sirius Black (HP)
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin
“No is a complete sentence.” Anne Lamont

Police Officer Michael Oduro

About Me

My name is Michael Oduro, I was born and raised in Ghana. At the age of 15 my family moved to the United States. We settled down in the City of Worcester where I graduated from North High School. I then went to continue my education and attended Quinsigamond Community College and eventually, I was recruited to play soccer at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell. There I studied Criminal Justice and Criminal Lab Science, and after 4 years I graduated.

Shortly after college I joined the military and am now a proud veteran of the US Army. Before joining the Campus Police Department here at MWCC, I worked for the TSA at Boston Logan Airport.

I do enjoy being a part of the community we have here at MWCC. Since being here my focus has been the same, to assist in the safety of students, faculty and visitors. I continue to learn every day in order to improve my duty here in keeping our campus safe.

Interests

During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, playing soccer with friends, and watching American Football! Go Pats!!
“Selfless service for one another is the way forward!”

Police Officer Max Sumner

About Me

From 2014- 2015, I attended Mount Wachusett Community College and got my degree in Criminal Justice. I am honored to be able to serve the community that helped me reach my educational goals to become a police officer. I am a defensive tactics instructor and certified firearms instructor. I also work part-time for the Athol Police Department.

Favorites

When I’m not working I enjoy spending time outside and going camping, fishing, hiking, and skiing. I also enjoy riding my motorcycle, spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, going to rock concerts, and woodworking. When I’m not feeling adventurous I like staying in watching a movie with my dog.

My Message to Students

If you ever need anything let me know, I became a police officer to help people and I’ll do my best to help you in any way I can. Stay Safe and have a wonderful semester.

Police Officer Tim Pare

About Me

My journey into the field of criminal justice started here at MWCC, when I attended as a student from 2012-2014. I then transferred to Fitchburg State University and obtained my Bachelor’s degree.
During my time in college I worked as a security officer and a 911 dispatcher to challenge myself, learn, and build a skillset for the future.

I am incredibly grateful that my journey has led me back to MWCC and I look forward to serving the students, staff, and anyone who steps onto this campus, with a high standard of professionalism and approachability.
In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with family, close friends, stand-up comedy, writing music, and exercising.

“The worst thing about prison was the dementors” – Prison Mike

Institutional Security Officer Michael LaDeau 

About Me

• I have 36 years in law enforcement.
• I started as a Campus Police Officer for MWCC in 2007.
• I was a reserve officer for Ashburnham Police from 1983-1984.
• I was a reserve officer for Winchendon Police from 1984-1985
• I have been a reserve officer for Templeton Police since 1985.
• In 1988 I graduated from the MWCC Basic Reserve Academy

Favorites

• I love hunting pheasants, woodcocks and partridge with my dogs Stoeger and Gabe.
• I enjoy saltwater and freshwater fishing.
• I love spending time with my family, I have two children Zack and Sabrina, my wonderful wife Kathy and a beautiful granddaughter Harper!

My message to everyone is simple, if you see something, say something even if it seems insignificant.

Institutional Security Officer Ronald Miller

About Me

I’m the 3rd shift Institutional Security Officer, I started in May of 2023. Beginning in 1994 while living in NY and volunteering as an AEMT/ Firefighter to a career EMT Specialist for the FDNY. I then transferred to the NYPD as a police officer and retired in the summer of 2020.
My family and I moved up to Southern New Hampshire for a better quality of life and I soon began working as a Campus Safety Officer for Franklin Pierce University where I quickly became the 3rd shift supervisor for two years.

While working for a small rural college that maintains dormitories for their students, my responsibilities were to maintain the safety, security, health and well-being of the students, faculty, support staff and guests while enforcing the policy and procedures of the school code of conduct.

I chose to work for MWCC for the substantial amount of benefits that are afforded to myself and my family. On the first day working for this school, I was amazed at the professionalism displayed by all and the family-like environment with all of the Campus Police personnel.

Education: A.S Business Administration

Favorites

I enjoy Gardening, motorcycle/atv riding and spending time with family and friends.

A fun fact about myself is my wife and I were married at Walt Disney World and we were the first couple to get married at Animal Kingdom.

Institutional Security Officer Christopher Stewart

About Me

I'm one of the newest additions to the campus police department. You'll find me most evenings at the Leominster campus but will be assisting with the Gardner campus as an Institutional Security Officer.

I have had over 30 years of security experience. For the last 20 years I worked with private contract companies that were hired by Homeland Security. I spent 9 years in IRS and 11 in Social Security. I also have a second job, working security at Polar Park in Worcester.

Favorites

I am an avid ten pin bowler now but spent 40 years bowling candlepin. My wife and I love to travel and visiting York Beach in Maine.

I have only been here since May, but I am enjoying the job very much!