The Badge at Trestle Way
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Reserve officer Mark Anderson was a local guy trying to give back to the community he grew up in. When the chance presented itself, he became a reserve officer on the Georgetown police force, a role he has played for more than two years.
Anderson, who has a full-time job working for the Rowley electrical department, has been a reserve officer since January of 2002. As someone who has lived his entire life in town, he was a logical selection for the role of senior relations officer, a duty created by Chief James Mulligan when he first arrived.
"Chief Mulligan said he was looking for someone to do this, and I inquired," said Anderson. He now spends every other Saturday at Trestle Way and other senior housing areas in town, speaking with the senior citizens and offering them assistance.
"It's not just police work," said Anderson.
His job there is to put the seniors at ease and build a relationship between seniors and the department.
"Many senior citizens are afraid to call the cops. They feel like they're bothering us when they call," said Anderson. "We want to give them someone they know, and feel confident they can trust."
Anderson was able to facilitate a donation by the Erie 4 fire company of their old bingo machine to Trestle Way. His work has resulted in a new sense of communication between the senior community and the police department.
"Every time one of the officers is up that way, they (the seniors) ask about me," said Anderson.
While his familiarity with the town helps him put Georgetown's seniors at ease, it can turn into a bit of a challenge during other duties.
"It's always hard when you run into someone you know" when responding to a call, said Anderson. "You can't play favorites."
While he generally only works two shifts a week as a reserve officer, Anderson has had opportunity for some unusual situations. Perhaps the most memorable was taking part in the arrest of four men trying to break into Georgetown Liquor - through the roof.
"We got a call that a group of men were cutting a hole in the roof," said Anderson. He and a fellow officer responded, and immediately caught a pair of men acting as lookouts during the crime.
They were joined by officers from Groveland, Rowley and Boxford and a pair of state troopers in apprehending the other two men, one of whom led police on a brief chase as he tried to escape.
"It all ended peacefully," said Anderson. "We caught all of them within a few hours."
The men were just recently convicted.
Anderson hopes eventually to become a full-time officer. Like many officers, the draw of the job comes from an interest in helping people when they need it most.
"At an accident, for example ... people are shaken up, and you talk to them, and help them settle down," said Anderson. "Knowing I really helped them is the best part of the job."
 
This article originally appeared in the Georgetown Record on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 , by Matt Phillion/ Mphillio@Cnc.Com
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