Stoughton Police Officer Sullivan Honored for Community Service at Brockton Rox Game

In the aftermath of the worst of situations - be it a tornado, superstorm or terrorist attack - Stoughton Police Officer Jen Sullivan seems to be at her best.

The six-year veteran of the Stoughton Police Department is credited with being the "driving force" behind the department's relief drives and efforts to help those in need after natural disasters or attacks, like in the case of the Boston Marathon bombings, where she designed and sold the popular Stoughton stands with Boston "Stoughton Strong/Boston Strong" t-shirts, which raised more than $4,000 for marathon-related charities.

In recognition of her work, Officer Sullivan was Stoughton's honoree at the Brockton Rox's celebration of the annual National Night Out Against Crime, where Brockton area public safety officials were spotlighted for having a positive impact on their communities.

Deputy Chief Robert Devine presented Sullivan with a plaque on the Campanelli Stadium field during the Rox's game against the Raging Tide on August 6.

"Jen has been the person most responsible for all of our outreach and relief efforts. Anytime something bad happens, Jen's always there," Devine said.

"She was involved in the relief drive after Hurricane Sandy. She's been involved in every single major incident we've had. She went out to Springfield after the tornado and helped clean up and give people their homes back. She came up with the idea, designed the shirt, raised the money after the marathon - it's just what she does."

Devine continued, "She's a very special officer. We're very happy to have her and [the honor] could not have gone to a more deserving person this year."

"It means a lot," Sullivan said of the honor. "It's nice to be recognized."

"We're in a position that if can help a lot of people - then why not?," she said.

The SPD had to fill multiple orders to keep up with requests for the "Stoughton Strong/Boston Strong" t-shirts following the Marathon attack. Thanks to promoting the fundraiser on the department's Facebook page, the shirts were sold all over - as far as Florida, Ohio and California.

"Everybody wanted to show their support [after the bombing] - not even just in Massachusetts, but all over the county. Everybody saw all the great things police officers did that day and all first responders really...I just thought it would be cool if people had something to wear to show their support," Sullivan said.

In addition to officers being honored, the Brockton Rox's celebration of the annual National Night Out Against Crime included a number of activities like a motorcade of police, fire and military, a petting zoo, pie eating contest, wing eating contest, face painting, and a K9 demonstration.

The Massachusetts State Police and police from Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Randolph, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman all participated in the festivities.