Lieutenant Pauline Wells Cambridge Police Department
Pauline was born in Brighton and grew up in North Cambridge. She attended high school at North Cambridge Catholic and the University of Massachusetts earning a bachelor of arts in business, and a graduate degree in CJA from Anna Maria College.
In 1993 Pauline joined the Cambridge Police Department. In 2003 she was promoted to Sergeant Detective. As a supervisor in the Major Case Unit, she devoted significant time overseeing Domestic Violence and Sex Offender Crimes. In 2010 she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
Pauline is very active in charitable causes. She has competed annually in the world’s largest two day charity bike event, the Pan Mass Challenge since 2006, completing her 6th ride this coming August.
Her singing began by accident in 2000 in a local pub in Cork City, Ireland. With the encouragement of family and friends, she sang her first song in public. Pauline's dad Hugh Carter was an immigrant from St. John's, Newfoundland and singing in the family home was a staple for him.
Shortly after the attacks of 9/11/2001, Pauline learned the National Anthem of the United States. Her rendition has often been described by listeners as spirited and pure, and she is well known in the Boston area.
Since 2001, Pauline has made well over 150 public appearances including Faneuil Hall, the Cambridge Common, Perkins School for the Blind, the National Heritage Museum, many Moving Vietnam Wall ceremonies, Harvard University, the State House, Hynes Auditorium, the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, and two appearances at Fenway Park (05, 10).
In 2006 Pauline was stricken with Acute Hearing Loss (AHL). This unknown virus caused permanent loss of all hearing in her left ear. While some thought her singing would end, she has persevered.
Pauline has a true love of Irish music. In 2003 she met a couple of Donegal natives, Kevin Doherty and Declan Houton, founders of a popular Boston Irish band DEVRI. She quickly became a regular guest with them and in 2006 the three would have the privilege to travel with the Boston Police Gaelic Column to Manhattan in New York City where they performed in NYPD's 9/11 Memorial concert at Old Town Hall, one of the city’s oldest theaters for the performing arts.
Pauline has committed all of her musical effort towards charitable and civic groups and donates 100% of her earnings. Five years ago she created a charitable endeavor called "A Celtic Crossing." She picked the name because she feels all Irish music has crossed an ocean to touch the rest of the world. Together with DEVRI and many other artists, they have held an annual St. Patrick’s concert which has been attended by hundreds. This effort has raised thousands for the Pan Mass Challenge and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Last September she faced her greatest musical challenge when she headlined a 9/11 memorial concert at Boston's Historic Wilbur Theater. With a cadre of musicians including 50 members of the New York City Police Pipes and Drums, she rocked a packed house with all proceeds of the night going to Cops for Kids with Cancer.
Her success of last year earned her a repeat appearance at the Wilbur Theater. On Friday evening November 12, 2010, Pauline Wells hosted a “Tribute to America's Veterans.” The concert has received brilliant reviews.
Whenever Pauline performs, she promises intensity and magic... For more information go to www.paulinewells.com
