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March Newsletter

Dear Friends,

February reminded us just how strong New England winters can be.  As the snow quieted our streets and turned our neighborhoods into winter postcards, police officers and firefighters headed out into the storm without hesitation.  Clearing roads and hydrants, responding to emergencies, ensuring that the rest of us remain safe and warm.   But this February also brought profound loss. We mourned the loss of two active-duty firefighters (Worcester and Boston Fire) and one police officer (Boston).  Three families are now facing an unimaginable future, and three departments are carrying an absence that will be deeply felt.In moments like these, the mission of the Hundred Club of Massachusetts is not abstract.  It is immediate.  It is personal.  It is deeply human. The mission becomes powerfully clear.  We stand beside grieving families, providing immediate financial assistance and for our line-of-duty families and lifelong support.  We ensure that sacrifice is honored not just in words, but in meaningful action.  I am deeply humbled to lead an organization with such purpose, and I am incredibly grateful for our donors and members. Your generosity makes our response possible. Because of you, when a tragedy strikes, we are there.  All of us. Together. As we look toward March and the promise of spring, we carry both remembrance and resolve. We honor those we lost by strengthening our commitment to those who continue to serve today. To our donors and members: thank you. Your generosity is not symbolic.  It is transformational. 
With gratitude,
Tracie A. Hines
Executive Director

During Women’s History Month, the Hundred Club of Massachusetts is proud to recognize a historic and meaningful moment in its evolution, an all-women leadership team guiding the organization forward.  Led by Tracie Hines, the first-ever Executive Director, alongside Yvette Fernandez, Director of Operations and Family Support who has been with the organization for over 7 years. Sandra Montesino, Director of Communications and Outreach came on board in December, and Lindsay Rhoades, Membership and Development Associate joined the team in January.  This dedicated group builds upon the strong foundation established by the men who founded the organization.  Their vision, commitment, and steadfast support of the families of fallen police officers and firefighters created a legacy that continues to guide every decision today and moving forward.  

This moment is not about replacing that history but honoring it, demonstrating how the mission they began continues to grow, evolve, and strengthen through inclusive leadership.  It is a testament to the enduring power of their original commitment and to the bright, future-focused path ahead.  We extend our deepest gratitude to the original founders whose dedication and foresight made this work possible.  It is because of their leadership that we stand where we are today.   

Throughout Women’s History Month, we will be spotlighting talented woman who’ve made a meaningful difference.  Be sure to follow our website and social media channels to learn more about the remarkable women in the fire service and police communities.  

The Hundred Club of Massachusetts is proud to introduce First Responder Friday – Fueled by Wellpoint, a new initiative designed to bring our mission directly into the communities we serve. 

On First Responder Friday we visit police and fire departments across the Commonwealth with a simple but meaningful purpose: to say thank you.  With snacks in hand and appreciation in our hearts, our team spends time connecting with firefighters and police officers, sharing information about the Hundred Club’s work, and strengthening the relationships that are so vital to our mission. 

Our first visits took place in Ashland and Framingham, where the Hundred Club staff and representatives from Wellpoint received a warm welcome and enjoyed genuine camaraderie with the men and women who serve those communities every day.  The conversations were meaningful, the gratitude was mutual, and the experience reaffirmed why showing up in person matters. 

Thanks to the generous support of Wellpoint, this initiative allows us to step beyond our offices and into stations and departments.  A big thank you to Dunkin’ and Chick Filet, Framingham for providing gift cards to hand to our deserving first responders. 

Three words define First Responder Friday: connection, gratitude, and presence.  We look forward to expanding these visits throughout the year and continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who protect our communities. 

The Devlin children lost their father over the course of two long years.  

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Thoms Devlin was struck by a vehicle while on duty on Route 3 in 2018.  He passed in 2020, two years later.

That is not how his children want him to be remembered.

At the 10th annual BFit Challenge at TD Garden, three of Trooper Devlin’s children were there not only to work, but to honor him.

Rachel, Anna and Paul Devlin staffed the booth for the State Police Association of Massachusetts Benevolent Fund (SPAM).  Paul also took part in the BFit Challenge himself and took some time to talk about the Hundred Club.

I’m here to burn calories and raise awareness,” he said. “But I’m also here for my dad.”

Rachel Devlin said the weeks after their father’s death were a blur of grief, logistics and support from many directions. The Hundred Club stood out for a reason. 

“When we lost our dad in the line of duty, the Hundred Club was one of several organizations that gathered around our family,” she said. “But what set them apart was the consistency.  It’s easier, in a sense, for support to show up in the short term.  The Hundred Club has stayed close to our family.  They’ve taken care of us in so many different ways. We’ve built a real relationship with them.” 

Anna Devlin echoed that. 

“When we lost our dad, it was a very hard time for our family,” she said. “We got a lot of support initially, but the Hundred Club stuck with us. And it is still with us.  The support is genuine. They really want to know how we’re doing.” 

The siblings also spoke about who their father was at home, away from the uniform. 

“I could talk about my dad forever,” Rachel said. “He was one of one. He was an incredible trooper, but I feel blessed that he was my father. He worked so much, but when he was home, he was present. He’d work a detail overnight and still be there the next day. He was kind. He was fair. He was a little scary sometimes,” she added with a laugh. “He was silly. He was one of the best people I’ll ever meet.” The Devlin children lost their father over the course of two long years.  

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Thoms Devlin was struck by a vehicle while on duty on Route 3 in 2018.  He passed in 2020, two years later.

That is not how his children want him to be remembered.

At the 10th annual BFit Challenge at TD Garden, three of Trooper Devlin’s children were there not only to work, but to honor him.

Rachel, Anna and Paul Devlin staffed the booth for the State Police Association of Massachusetts Benevolent Fund (SPAM).  Paul also took part in the BFit Challenge himself and took some time to talk about the Hundred Club.

I’m here to burn calories and raise awareness,” he said. “But I’m also here for my dad.”

Rachel Devlin said the weeks after their father’s death were a blur of grief, logistics and support from many directions. The Hundred Club stood out for a reason. 

“When we lost our dad in the line of duty, the Hundred Club was one of several organizations that gathered around our family,” she said. “But what set them apart was the consistency.  It’s easier, in a sense, for support to show up in the short term.  The Hundred Club has stayed close to our family.  They’ve taken care of us in so many different ways. We’ve built a real relationship with them.” 

Anna Devlin echoed that. 

“When we lost our dad, it was a very hard time for our family,” she said. “We got a lot of support initially, but the Hundred Club stuck with us. And it is still with us.  The support is genuine. They really want to know how we’re doing.” 

The siblings also spoke about who their father was at home, away from the uniform. 

“I could talk about my dad forever,” Rachel said. “He was one of one. He was an incredible trooper, but I feel blessed that he was my father. He worked so much, but when he was home, he was present. He’d work a detail overnight and still be there the next day. He was kind. He was fair. He was a little scary sometimes,” she added with a laugh. “He was silly. He was one of the best people I’ll ever meet.” 

Watch the Devlin Family Here

When a firefighter or police officer makes the ultimate sacrifice, the impact is felt not only in the moment, but for years to come.  For surviving children like Ryan Deschenes, who lost his father Jeffrey Deschenes in the line-of-duty last year (North Andover Fire), that loss can shape every milestone, including the path they choose after high school graduation. 

That is why the scholarships provided by the Hundred Club are so important.  Ryan, a recent high school graduate and Hundred Club scholarship recipient, graduated from the Heavy Construction Academy. Through hands-on training, classroom instruction, and real-world application, he gained not only technical skills, but confidence and resilience. Today, he is pursuing a career operating heavy equipment and hopes to combine those skills with his welding experience to build a strong future. 

This is what a scholarship truly represents. 

It represents opportunity when life has been unfair. 
It represents stability during uncertainty. 
It represents a community that says, “We have not forgotten you.” 

Scholarships provided by the Hundred Club ensure that the children of fallen firefighters and police officers can pursue college degrees, trade certifications, and specialized training programs without financial barriers standing in the way.  Whether it’s a four-year university, a community college, or a hands-on technical academy, these scholarships open doors. 

But this life-changing support is only possible because of our members. 

When you become a member of the Hundred Club, you are investing directly in the future of families who have already given so much.  Your membership helps provide immediate financial assistance after a loss as well as ongoing support like scholarships that empower the next generation to move forward with strength and dignity. 

In moments of tragedy, we step in. 
In the years that follow, we stay. 

If you are a member, thank you. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to stand with us. Together, we can continue building futures; one scholarship at a time. 

Ryan, a recent scholarship recipient and graduate of Heavy Construction Academy, was asked about his experience and what lies ahead.When asked about his favorite part of the program, Ryan didn’t hesitate.“My favorite part of the Heavy Construction Academy was having a chance to learn hands-on. I find that I learn much better by doing things rather than sitting in a classroom. It was great to be able to actually run the equipment.”The combination of classroom instruction and real-world application made a lasting impact on him. While the transition from theory to practice wasn’t always easy, it was meaningful.“One skill that makes me proud is being able to take what they were teaching in the class and actually use it on the machines. Each week we would start in the classroom, learning and taking notes, and then apply it in the field. It was frustrating at times because things didn’t always go smoothly, but I managed to stay calm and figure it out.”Now that he has graduated, Ryan is looking toward a future in the field.  Ideally operating a front-end loader at a construction or demolition site. He’s also interested in combining his welding experience with his equipment training, potentially operating and repairing machinery.
This past month has been especially difficult for the first responder community across Massachusetts. We mourn the recent losses of Scott MacIsaac of the Boston Police Department, Jason Couture of the Worcester Fire Department, and William Carey of the Boston Fire Department. Three losses in a single month are deeply felt among their families and friends, within their departments, and throughout the Hundred Club community and beyond.  Each of these men answered the call to serve with dedication and courage.  Behind every uniform was a family who shared that commitment and now carries an unimaginable loss. The Hundred Club of Massachusetts is honored to stand beside their loved ones during this difficult time.  The financial support that we provide these families in the days immediately after the loss reaffirm our steadfast promise to be there when tragedy strikes. As we reflect on this heavy month, we do so with solemn gratitude for their lives and service. Their commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten, and their families will not walk this road alone. We remember.  We honor.  And we remain dedicated to our mission; ensure no family member walks alone, ever. 
We are proud to welcome the newest business members of the Hundred Club of Massachusetts, as well as those who have recently renewed their business membership.  Each name below represents a commitment to stand with firefighters, police officers, and their families, not only in moments of tragedy, but for the long road that follows.  This growing circle of business members and corporate sponsors are answering the call to ensure that no family of a fallen hero ever walks alone. 
If you own a business, consider becoming a Business Member or Corporate Sponsor today!

Wellpoint

BFCU

Dunkin’

New England Police Benevolent Association

Greenwood Emergency Vehicles

Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts 

Davis Management Company

I want to be a Corporate Sponsor
I want to be a Business Member!
Calling all golfers!  JGPR is hosting an inaugural golf tournament on August 13th, 2026, to benefit the Hundred Club.  Registration is open.  Every Drive Makes a Difference.

Battle of the Badges being held Friday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Lynn Connery Skating Rink.  Don’t miss this fun community fundraiser benefitting the Hundred Club of Massachusetts.
Every part of this work, from emergency response to long-term family support, is made possible by our members. Membership is more than a contribution; it is a shared promise that when tragedy strikes, families will not face it alone. Thank you for being part of this community of care. 
Join or Renew Here
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OUR CONTACT INFORMATION The Hundred Club of Mass., Inc.25 Braintree Hill Office Park,
Suite 200 Braintree, MA 02184(P) 617-536-4410 email: general@100clubmass.org 
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