People, Places, and Things: 2-26-15

Hello and goodbyeSaugus Police are welcoming a new officer and saying goodbye to a longtime veteran from the force.Officer Derek Ryan, center, recently graduated from the police academy program offered by the MBTA Transit Police. He will now begin a field training program with a veteran Saugus Police officer before starting a one-year probationary period.Ryan, 32, is married and a father of one.”I am proud to welcome Officer Ryan to the Saugus Police Department,” Chief Domenic DiMella, left, said in a statement. “Becoming a full-time police officer is a difficult and competitive process, I have very high hopes and expectations.”Meanwhile, the department is saying goodbye to retiring Sgt. Alan Erickson. Erickson served the department and community for 33 years, including 17 years as department prosecutor and liaison to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Erickson has received numerous commendations and was also involved with the Saugus Police Athletic League.Congratulations to Officer Ryan and Sgt. Erickson!Lynn girl competing in Miss Jr. Pre-Teen Boston pageantSophia Encarnacion of Lynn will participate in the 2015 Miss Jr. Pre-Teen Boston pageant competition next month. To qualify, Encarnacion submitted an application and took part in an interview session with a pageant coordinator.A win at the March 29 event would send Encarnacion to the national competition in Orlando, Fla., and put her in the running for $30,000 in prizes and awards.