The Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAWLE) honored Wellesley Police Officer Tana DiCenso at their annual award ceremony on June 16. MAWLE is a large Massachusetts organization that was formed to keep women informed and connected in law enforcement. Wellesley Police Lieutenant Marie Cleary is the President of MAWLE.
Officer DiCenso received the “Community Service” award for 2022. The Community Service award is given to a female officer in law enforcement who distinguishes herself by superior accomplishments through developing, designing, implementing and participating in programs involving communities and law enforcement, which include neighborhoods, school, community meetings and businesses.
Officer DiCenso received the award for her work in developing and implementing the WPD Comfort Care Dog program. Much of the initial work and setting up the program was done on her own initiative, prior to the Comfort Care Dogs being well known or established in policing. Officer DiCenso not only developed the program, but then became the department’s first comfort care dog handler, teaming up with K-9 Winnie.
After the program was developed and implemented, Officer DiCenso worked to promote Winnie through the department and the community. Her efforts were very successful, and Winnie is now a fixture at schools, community events, and on patrol. Often, Winnie assists other communities during large events as well.
MAWLE formally recognized her achievements during their annual award ceremony on June 16, 2022 in Canton.
Congratulations to Officer DiCenso for her work on this project and the award.