New recruit, court prosecutor, two promotions for DPD

New Derry Police Officer Patrick Starkey poses with his family, wife Marife and children Lesbelle, left, and Patrick, right, following his swearing-in ceremony Friday at the town municipal center.

By CAROL ROBIDOUX

Union Leader Correspondent

DERRY – Timing is everything, which is why Dan Beattie saw the humor in the fact that it's Gump Week all this week on American Movie Classics cable channel.

     On Friday, he was promoted from from sergeant to lieutenant.

     Yes, I'm Lieutenant Dan now,” said Beattie, smiling broadly as he acknowled the correlation between his new rank and the popular character of the same name from the movie, “Forrest Gump.”

Sgt. Frank Stoncius, left, and Lt. Dan Beattie.

     Beattie, a 14-year veteran of the force, was one of three Derry officers recognized Friday during a promotion and swearing in ceremony at the town offices. Also promoted was Frank Stoncius, who has been with the department 17 years, and was promoted Friday to the rank of sergeant.

     “Frank Stoncius is an outstanding officer, and I saw in him the capability of being a supervisor years ago,    something he didn't wish to pursue at that time. We're pleased to have him join the administrative ranks,” said Police Chief Ed Garone.

     Stoncius has been a field training officer, participated in the school safety program and is a representative on the Townwide Safety Committee.

     Officer Patrick Starkey comes to the Derry force as a new hire from the Milton Police Department, where he served for the past three years. Prior to his police training, Starkey served five years with the U.S. Air Force. His hiring brings the department to 55 police officers.

     “We have two recruits currently in training at the Police Academy. Once they join us in April, we will be at our full complement of 57,” said Garone.

     Also recognized Friday was Marcia Rosenn, a former private practice attorney who was recently hired as the department's first civilian prosecutor, replacing Anthony Ruggiero, who retired at the end of January.

Marcia Rosenn.

     “Derry has a great police department. It was one of the towns I prosecuted for while working at Rockingham County Attorney's Office.When I heard there was an opening, I put in an application and crossed my fingers. I really am thrilled to be here,” said Rosenn.

     Garone said Ruggiero's retirement presented the department with an opportunity to make a change and hire a civilian attorney as a court prosecutor.

     Rosenn earned a degree in psychology from Amherst College and worked in the mental health field before earning a law degree from Boston University School of Law. She has worked since 2005 for the Rockingham County Attorney's Office prosecuting felony cases.