SPRINGFIELD. Mass. – Monica Viegas learned early in her Western New England College career the importance of teamwork.
The New Bedford, Massachusetts native played goalie on the women’s lacrosse team, and while not a starter, she became an important member of the squad through her commitment and dedication.
Viegas appeared in 10 contests and posted a 2-1 record in the nets in 2000 and 2001. The Golden Bears (who became a varsity sport in 1999) posted a combined 19-13 record in the two seasons and advanced to post-season tournament play both years.
Viegas also was the back-up goalie on the field hockey team for a year and was an outfielder on the softball squad.
“I never played lacrosse until coming to Western New England College,” she said. “My first season I was the back-up goalie and then towards the end of the year the starter. I also started several games my second season. The best thing about playing on the Golden Bears’ sports teams was the camaraderie. I also enjoyed playing competitive sports.”
As a youngster, Viegas starred in the three sports at New Bedford High School and received a Who’s Who in High School Athletics.
Career in law enforcement
She also had her mind on a career in law enforcement.
Viegas earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2001 and immediately began working at the school as a Senior Cataloging Assistant in the Law School Library.
In 2004 she became a Special State Police Office with the Western New England College Public Safety Department.
Viegas has a passion for her professional career and is constantly striving to give her best effort every day she puts on the uniform, just like she did during her athletic career.
“We are committed to being responsive to our College Community in the delivery of quality services. We provide comprehensive security and law enforcement services that enables a community member to pursue academic goals, intellectual pursuits and to live, work, and study in an environment of safety and security,” Viegas explained.
“We also offer emergency medical services 24 hours a day,” she noted. “Our staff can provide a wide variety of programs to educate students on such issues as crime prevention, date rape, and alcohol/drug awareness. Our objective is to improve the quality of life through community partnership, which promotes a safe and secure campus.”
A few weeks ago, Viegas and her fellow officers were in the Alumni Healthful Living Center practicing their defensive tactics and ground defense skills.
All the officers know they have to be prepared for any emergency at a moment’s notice.
That’s why Viegas is involved with the Special State Police Academy and serves as Field Training and Fire Safety Officer, Honor Guard and Bike Patrol member, R.A.D. (self-defense) Instructor, Sexual Assault Investigator, and Student Patrol Supervising Officer.
She participates in numerous training programs related to Gangs, Prevention and Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents, First Responder, Tactical Fire Arms, Officer Down, Advanced Expandable Baton, and Active Shooting.
“I work for an outstanding department and great team,” Viegas commented. “I like working with the College Community and knowing I can help people.”
Along the way, Viegas has met a lot of people and formed long-term friendships. Outside of work, she maintains her association with sports by serving as the head goalie JV coach, and assistant Varsity coach for the Fermi High School (Enfield, Connecticut) field hockey team since 2005.
“Being able to give back to the Community that has taught me so much in my years of going to school here means a lot to me,” she noted.
Like the sports teams she played on at Western New England College, Viegas comes to work every day ready to give her best effort to make the campus a safe place for everyone.
She is indeed a valuable member of another top team.
Mission Statement of the Western New England College Public Safety Department
“The primary mission of the Western New England College Department of Public Safety is to protect life and property. Fulfilling our obligations to the College Community, we enforce Federal, State, and Local Laws as well as College rule sand regulations. We are dedicated to the prevention and detection of crime. We recognize our responsibility to preserve individual rights and afford dignity, and respect to every individual.”