Jared Granata '20 Takes Westfield Experience to the Nashua Police Department

by Julie Lavoie 

Since Jared Granata '20 was a child his goal was to go into law enforcement, a goal he achieved when hired by the Nashua Police Department (NPD) this past April. Now working as a Patrol Officer, he was hired by NPD prior to graduating from Westfield State in May and is now also a graduate of the New Hampshire Police Academy.

Granata’s education at WSU prepared him to pursue his career path. He called the WSU Criminal Justice program “second to none” and shared that on his first day with NPD he met three other officers who were also Westfield State graduates.

In addition to his service with NPD, Granata is also currently serving in the Army National Guard as a Military Police Soldier with the 747 MP Company. He shared that the Company can be activated for various reasons throughout Massachusetts and was most recently called upon to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic last March and April. The Company also serves local annual events, providing security for the Boston Marathon, the Boston Fourth of July fireworks, and many more.

According to Granata, serving in the Guard opened his eyes to the sheer number of people in our hometowns and cities that serve every day. 

Granata was fortunate to participate in a recent NPD event called Shop with a Cop. Every year around Christmas, children from low-income families are assigned to NPD officers. Together, the officers and families visit a local Target to pick out complimentary toys and gifts. "It's awesome being able to shop with kids who may not be able to get much for Christmas,” said Granata. He found this experience to be one of the most meaningful parts of his career so far. 

“Usually, when people call the police it means they are not having a good day. Anytime I’m able to help someone make a bad day better, I feel like that is making a difference,” said Granata.