THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 19 SHERIFF | FROM PAGE 2 “As Sheriffs Tompkins and Cocchi begin their tenure, I look forward to working with them to build upon the foundation of collaboration and professionalism that have been the hallmark of MSA’s approach to enhancing public safety and improving outcomes for those in our custody, their families and our communities,” said Koutoujian. “Over his tenure as MSA President, Sheriff Koutoujian helped us to shepherd through a number of changes that impacted not only our collective organization as a whole, but our individual county operations as well,” said Tompkins. “We are all thankful for his service to the MSA and appreciative of his great efforts to advance our mission. And, as I take the baton, I look forward to expanding upon those efforts alongside Sheriff Cocchi and MSA Executive Director Carrie Hill as we continue to elevate the work of the MSA.” During his term as president, the MSA worked with State Senator William Brownsberger and State Representative Claire Cronin on the historic 2018 criminal justice reform bill. The bill included changes to restrictive housing within jails and prisons, created a special commission to study the prevention of suicide among correction officer,; expressly authorized the establishment of specialized housing units for individuals ages 18–24 (which the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office had previously opened) and created a mechanism for medical parole, among other key provisions. Medical parole had been a top priority for Koutoujian since 2013 when he began working with State Senator Patricia Jehlen on passage. Under his leadership, the MSA also worked with the Baker-Polito Administration, State Senator Cindy Friedman and State Representative Denise Garlick on the passage and implementation of legislation establishing a landmark Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program involving seven sheriffs’ offices. Under the law, those entering custody in one of those seven counties on an FDA-approved MAT regimen can continue that regimen unless determined otherwise by a qualified addiction specialist. Sentenced inmates not on a verified MAT regimen at the time of their commitment may also be evaluated for participation 30 days prior to their scheduled release. For the past year, Koutoujian served concurrently as president of both MSA and the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA). As MCSA President, Koutoujian leads an association comprised of sheriffs of over 100 of the nation’s most populous counties. He will serve as MCSA President through the end of 2021. SPORTS | FROM PAGE 15 fourth quarter to set up both BC TDs. Alabama never gave in, and with under three minutes left got the ball back twice, but BC’s defense hung on with stops at the Eagles’ 28-yard line, and finally, on the last play of the game, at its own 11-yard line. Of course, the Malden guys stayed all the way to the end. Wet and cold, but happy to see a part of history. Flutie would go on to be one of the most celebrated collegiate players in modern times, winning the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s best player the next year, his senior season in 1984. He also led BC to backto-back wins over Alabama, a 37-31 victory in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the next season. (Alabama never scheduled BC again!) Flutie – 5-10, 175 lbs. – was not projected as a professional QB, but went on to have a 20-year pro career in the USFL (1985), NFL (198689 and 1998-2005) and Canadian Football League (CFL, 1990-1997), including two stints with the Patriots (198789, 2005). Monaco did not end up wearing the Gold and Maroon of BC. After he finished a Hall of Fame career at Malden High, he became the Golden Tornadoes’ first Division 1 scholarship quarterback since the 1940s, heading to South Kingston to play four years for the University of Rhode Island Rams. It was great to see history in the making...and we will all never forget the day we saw BC beat Alabama in our own backyard. Good times, indeed – a real memory-maker.
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