MPA Student Honored for Bravery in Stopping Knife Attack

At an Oct 15^th ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MPA student Joe Carruthers ’26 was one of 19 Massachusetts police and state troopers honored with the annual George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery, given to law enforcement who “demonstrate extraordinary bravery and courage in the face of extreme risk and certain and imminent danger to life or limb.” The award is named for Trooper George L. Hanna, who was killed in the line of duty in 1983, and recognizes acts of courage and dedication by law enforcement. Carruthers, formerly a police officer in Lexington, received the award for stopping an attack by a knife-wielding man on Feb. 12, 2022, and assisting another officer targeted by the assailant.

Q&A with Joe Carruthers ’26 (MPA)

Did you always plan to pursue a career in law enforcement?

I did not. I grew up in Walpole and Norwood in a family with several members who had served in the military. When I got to high school, I dreamed of following in the footsteps of my grandfathers, uncle, and my brother, who, at that time, was enlisted in the Navy. But I ended up choosing the same path as my older sister and studied farm management at the Norfolk Country Agricultural High School.

How did that experience influence your future trajectory?

Well, I realized that I had no interest in becoming a farmer! I decided to give college a try but, for personal reasons, left Mass Maritime Academy after one semester. After working for a couple of years, I eventually got hired as a corrections officer. Within my first year in that role, I joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard at the age of 21.

What role did you take on in the Guard?

I initially joined as a Military Police officer. But I was hoping to see some overseas action so I quickly volunteered to transfer to an infantry unit deploying for a one-year tour in Afghanistan in June 2011. I had always been fascinated by World Word II history and admired the willingness of people who voluntarily stepped up to serve their country. My mom was not happy with my choice but she respected my motivation and my decision.

What did you focus on during your tour of duty in Afghanistan?

As infantrymen, our mission was to provide security for a provincial reconstruction team working in Khost Province, in the southeastern part of the country. We would go out every day and set up a security perimeter so that engineers and other personnel from the Navy, Air Force, and other agencies could work safely on the construction of infrastructural projects such as schools and bridges.

How did your tour measure up to your expectations going into the experience?

My deployment to Afghanistan was the first time I had ever been outside of the U.S. and it was a culture shock, for sure. Growing up in suburban Massachusetts, I had never encountered houses made of mud bricks and dirt floors with farm animals wandering around. I did enjoy getting to interact with the local people through translators and discovering new foods such as a naan-like flatbread, which was pretty good. There was less action than I anticipated. Our base did come under rocket fire daily and my team did get shot at and encountered IEDs on several occasions but overall it was quieter than I expected. But I was happy that I went and glad to be a part of what we were trying to accomplish. Most of the locals definitely appreciated us as a helpful, protective presence.

How did your career path shift upon your return to the States?

When I got home, I stayed with the National Guard and eventually got promoted. I also met my wife and started a family (we have an 8-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter). And I returned to the Department of Correction before getting hired as a police office in Lexington. Just recently, I left that role and now work as a field parole officer.

What are the responsibilities does the field parole officer job entail?

My basic charge is to make sure that people who get out of prison serve the remainder of their sentences out in the community while abiding by the conditions of their release. I interact with a wide range of clients, from young adults to people in their eighties, who were convicted of all kinds of offenses. Some of them have genuinely turned their lives around and want to have a positive impact. I try to serve as a mentor figure, helping them get into programs; going to their homes, meeting their families, and generally encouraging them to seize the opportunity to start a new chapter in life.

How did you end up pursuing a master’s degree at the Policy School?

One of the great benefits of serving in the military is the educational opportunities this gives you. I ended up going back to school and completing a bachelor’s in criminal justice at UMass Lowell during COVID. After that, I decided to pursue an MPA because I believed this degree would position me for a future career in emergency management. Ultimately, I aspire to direct training and develop policies and plans for responding to different disaster scenarios, from hurricanes to active shooter situations.

Why did you choose the Policy School at Northeastern?

As someone working full time and raising a young family, I have found the flexibility of being able to take some of my classes online a game-changer. It’s also been motivating, and sometimes a little intimidating, to study with such capable young people. These are very smart students! And I appreciate how the professors are so active in their fields as practitioners as well as researchers. They are truly on the front lines of what they are teaching us.