Casey McDonough is the perfect combination of sugar and spice.
Fresh from the Boston Police Academy, Casey is one of 22 women who made up one third of the graduating class – making it the class with the most female graduates in the history of the academy. Another first for this graduating class, the new physical fitness program. Gone are the days of long distance running only and replaced with P90x style work out. “The work-outs were tough but it varied day to day so it kept it from being boring,” says Casey. She’s in the best shape of her life – stronger than ever and ready to tackle crime in Boston.
Southie Roll Call
The following graduates from the Boston Police Academy Class of 2011 are from South Boston:
- Elizabeth Evans
- Christine Carr
- Shandra Lerro
- Jessica Coppney
- Eric Werner
- Mike Burke
- Stephen O’Connell
- Mike McDougal
So if you are getting pulled over, it could be helpful to say you are from Southie.
Casey is the newest Boston police officer to walk the beat in West Roxbury. She’s been paired up with a 27-year veteran Pat Butler. She spends her 4pm to 11pm shift answering calls that run from domestic disputes to suspected breaking and entering. When asked about carrying a gun, Casey calmly replies that she feels completely comfortable. She will be with a training partner for exactly 32 shifts. After that she’ll get paired up with a permanent partner.
Just the facts:
- 26 years old
- Parents are Joe and Trish
- Sister to Joseph and Stephen
- Went to Gate of Heaven Grammar School
- and Boston Latin Academy
- Lives on Hatch Street
- Girlfriend of Farid (sorry fellas!)
Just for fun:
- Porto Bello and Stats are her favorite Southie restaurants
- Favorite Bar – Shenanigan’s
- Product of South Boston Youth Soccer
- Coached South Boston Youth Soccer
- Still plays soccer in numerous leagues
- Favorite donut – Maple
- Best place for coffee in Southie – PS. Gourmet
- Favorite spot in Southie – The Boston Harbor Yacht Club
One of the things that strike you when you meet Casey is her wholesome girl next-door appearance and her sweet and friendly demeanor. It’s hard to imagine that she will be wrestling suspects to the ground or chasing after men two times her size that are armed and dangerous. She’s up for the challenge and takes it all in stride, “I’ve been trained,” she says fearlessly. “It’s what I wanted to do my whole life,” she adds matter of fact. “There is a strong sense of duty in wanting to be a police officer. I want to help people and made a difference.”
When most think of facing dangerous criminals or the loaded end of gun, it’s scary thought that borders on nightmare-ish. To Casey, it’s just part of the job. As for what scares her, “Being a firefighter,” she says with a smile. Her father Joe is proud member of the Boston Fire Department. “To me running into a burning building is just nuts,” she adds.
Regardless of whether your call of duty is with the fire department or the police, Casey believes it’s a career to be proud of. “There is such a sense of honor in it and I’m proud to be a member of the Boston Police Department.”
It is people like Casey that make our city streets a little safer. She is role model to not only young women but to all. We are proud to call her one of our own and that is why Casey McDonough is our July Character of the Month.
Photography by Deborah McCarthy
