New Hampshire's Everyday Heroes
Detective Mike Moushegian, Nashua Police Department
Though he appreciates being recognized as an Everyday Hero, Mike Moushegian wants to make it clear that he is but one member of a larger team of professionals working on behalf of children in need. A Detective in the Youth Services Division (YSD) of the Nashua Police Department, Mike’s transition from the department’s Criminal Investigative Division to YSD was difficult at first. Nearly all YSD investigations involve felony level offenses that profoundly affect the lives of children and families, a change that change required a mental adjustment. Fortunately, serving as a Nashua patrol officer for twelve years proved to be fertile training ground for understanding the conditions under which so many children are forced to live.
Hillsborough County Child Advocacy Center Director Kristie Palestino, nominated Detective Moushegian as an Everyday Hero due in part to his work in the Shane Vadney Circle of Learning Daycare Center case that rocked the Nashua community a year ago. In arguably the biggest case of his career to date, Detective Moushegian was the lead law enforcement investigator whose interrogation of Vadney lead to a confession and ultimately his indictment on 41 counts of felony level sexual assaults on children.
In nominating Detective Moushegian Ms. Palestino wrote, “Mike is one of the brightest and most thorough investigators that I know. He has embraced the concept of the CAC as evidenced by his attention to team corroboration and his obvious concern to lesson the trauma on child victims. He is honest and hard working and a true asset to Hillsborough County”.
Despite his ability to get a confession out of Vadney, Detective Moushegian is quick to credit the Hillsborough County Child Advocacy Center and its coordinated team approach that led to the quick resolution on the case. When asked what it is he appreciates about the CAC, he spoke about the Center’s comfortable child-friendly environment and the consistent professional manner in which CAC staff interview the children.
Congratulations Detective Mike Moushegian. You are an everyday hero doing a heroes job everyday!