Two Nantucket Women Complete Police Academy; Prepared To Join NPD

Two Nantucket women are among a group of new law enforcement officers who graduated from the Cape Cod Police Academy on Friday and are preparing to join the Nantucket Police Department as full-time officers.

Farrell Duce and Angela Paterson, both Nantucket natives and Nantucket High School graduates, completed their training at the police academy along with four others who will soon be part of the island police force.

The reinforcements - especially those with island roots who are more likely to stay with the NPD over the long term - are much needed, as the Nantucket Police Department has been struggling with staffing over the past year.

Nantucket Current checked in with both Duce and Paterson over the weekend to ask them about their choice to pursue a career in law enforcement, and becoming a cop back in their hometown.

Officer Angela Paterson, NHS Class of 2009

"As a Nantucket native, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a close knit community and grew a tremendous appreciation for the willingness of others to always lend a helping hand.
I can remember when I was younger my mom would always tell me to leave the island and explore the off-island life. Once I became old enough I did just that. Many doors opened, I gained so many experiences, and learned so many lessons, but it just never quite felt like home.
Nantucket is my home. It is the community that gave so much to not only me, but my family as well in both good and bad times. I wanted to be able to give back to that very same community. NPD has given me that opportunity and I’m extremely grateful. I want to be able to make a difference in people's lives, be a part of something meaningful, and be a positive role model."

Officer Farrell Duce, NHS Class of 2016

"I’ve always had a passion for the criminal justice field. I became a CSO (community service officer) for NPD in 2017 and then a reserve officer in 2019. My experience with NPD on Nantucket has been both encouraging and educational, as well as affirming my respect for criminal justice.

It has also opened my eyes into the world of mental health and the importance of having people, like police, who have the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of people who may be struggling. I am hoping that being a police officer on Nantucket will allow me the opportunity to have a beneficial impact on the island."

Duce and Paterson were joined by Andrew McNeilly, Nicholas Gallant, Brian Murphy, and Seamus McArdle, in graduating from the Cape Cod Police Academy last Friday. All six will join NPD. After a week of classroom work, learning policies and other tasks, the new officers will start field training by riding with current NPD officers.