Billerica Police | MA

I am writing to comment on the recent release of Body Camera footage from the City of Memphis Police Department in Tennessee that depicts the actions of several Memphis Police Officers arresting Tyre Nichols for an alleged traffic incident on January 7, 2023. The actions of these officers resulted in Mr. Nichols suffering severe injuries that resulted in his death three days later at a Memphis hospital. On Wednesday, January 25, a Shelby County Grand Jury indicted five Memphis Police Officers in the death of Tyre Nichols, charging them with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated Kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

I would note that Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis quickly launched a comprehensive investigation into this incident, which included immediately suspending the involved officers and opening a criminal Grand Jury in cooperation with the County District Attorney. All five involved officers were subsequently fired on January 20, with the above charges being brought by the Grand Jury five days later on January 25th. With the release of the Body Worn and Pole Camera video, Chief Davis has publicly called the officers’ actions “heinous, reckless, and inhumane” and said, “In my 36 years, I would have to say I don’t think I’ve ever been more horrified and disgusted.”

I want to convey to our residents that I, along with my fellow Massachusetts Law Enforcement leaders, condemn the actions of these Memphis Officers. Both the Middlesex Chiefs Association and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association have publicly stated in the past 24 hours its commitment to holding police officers accountable for their actions through a “fully transparent” investigation into what transpired. Police leaders in Massachusetts have long supported transparency and oversight in policing with the goal of establishing strong relationships with those we serve on a daily basis. After many years of requests, the Massachusetts Legislature has delivered a Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (POST) tasked with establishing nationally recognized best practice standards in recruitment, training and oversight of those trusted with policing in our Commonwealth. Specific parts of police reform included strict legal requirements for officers to intervene when observing fellow officers using excessive force, in addition to mandates that require officers to employ de-escalation techniques in all use of force situations. Moreover, the Billerica Police Training Division has heavily invested in its officers’ preparation through the use of multi-week scenario-based training. This training works to develop and evaluate an officer’s ability to safely handle some of the most volatile situations they may encounter in their roles.

We realize that these types of horrific incidents can significantly erode the trust and legitimacy our officers work hard to build with the residents they serve. I want to ensure the community that we are committed to re-building that trust. Please know that I am here to answer any questions you may have about our commitment to that goal. I can be reached best through my email at rfrost [@] billericapolice.org.

Chief Roy W. Frost

The Billerica Select Board and Town Manager John Curran with Billerica Police and a flag presented by Cops for Kids with Cancer at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday night. (Courtesy Billerica Police Department)

BILLERICA 一 Chief Roy Frost is proud to announce that the Billerica Police Department was recognized by Cops for Kids with Cancer, a non-profit that works to support the families of children with cancer, at the Billerica Select Board meeting this week.

Cops for Kids with Cancer began as a bet between two police officers in Boston who gave funds to hospitals to support pediatric cancer patients, and later began supporting families directly. The 501(c)(3) charitable organization has since supported 914 families with over $4.75 million in funds that are provided no strings attached to support families in any way they need, whether that be for transportation, food, or incidental costs that often get overlooked as families focus on medical bills. The organization provides families with a $5,000 check to spend as needed.

“Cops for Kids with Cancer has helped us focus on one of our priorities, which is being there for our community,” Chief Frost said. “No one is more deserving than families dealing with the tragedy of a cancer diagnosis in a child.”

Billerica Police have supported Cops for Kids with Cancer for about 15 years. For about half of that time funding for the non-profit has come from all sworn officers of the Billerica Police Department contributing $2 per week from their paycheck. Most departments contribute to the organization via fundraisers and events, but Billerica Police wanted to establish more consistent funding.

“Sgt. Mark Tsoukalas came up with the idea of donating a small piece of our paychecks every week — just a small amount — so we could have guaranteed income for our donations to the organization,” Frost said. “Now we’re able to fund a $5,000 check for a family on a yearly basis.”

Sal Mirabella Jr., a sergeant with the Emerson College Police Department and a member of the Board of Directors for Cops for Kids with Cancer, said Billerica Police have donated $24,481 to the nonprofit since January of 2016.

“Cops for Kids with Cancer recognizes police departments who contribute a significant amount to our organization, and it was long overdue that we recognized the Billerica Police Department for what they have done for more than a decade,” Mirabella said. “They donate to us weekly, and it’s departments like that which we really rely on.”

Mirabella said any police department in New England can sponsor a family with a child under age 21 who is battling cancer. Departments do not have to have previously contributed in order to sponsor a family. Cops for Kids with Cancer currently provides a $5,000 check to eight families per month across New England.

Frost said he hopes to see more police departments adopt Billerica’s funding method, because he believes creating a more consistent funding source could significantly increase the organization’s ability to support families.

“The need is there, and we have the ability to make an impact,” Frost said.

About Cops for Kids with Cancer:

Cops for Kids with Cancer is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides funds directly to those involved in the care of children with cancer, with each family typically receiving $5,000. There are many organizations raising money for important research, but the goal of Cops for Kids with Cancer is to help the children and their caregivers through this most difficult crisis. Over the years, Cops for Kids with Cancer has given more than $4.75 million to 914 families with children battling cancer. To learn more, visit: https://copsforkidswithcancer.org.

The Town of Billerica seeks motivated candidates to fill Public Safety Telecommunicator positions. Full time positions are available.

Candidates for this position should have at least a High School Diploma, be 21 years of age at time of employment, and possess a valid driver’s license. Prior experience as a 911 dispatcher is preferred but not required for full time positions.

An application may be obtained from the Town Manager’s office or can be downloaded here:

Employment Application

Job Description:

A Telecommunicator Dispatcher shall carry out policies and procedures relating to all phases of public safety dispatching for police and emergency medical services. Telecommunicator Dispatchers operate the Communications Center without assistance for extended periods of time and require extensive radio training.

This position requires successful certification in CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatching and MA/NCIC System Operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Takes incoming calls of an emergency, non-emergency, or business nature
• Obtains all pertinent information; relays information to public safety personnel involved in the situation.
• Dispatches safety, service, and other appropriate personnel to calls, as required
• Coordinates back-up support activities via radio; determines priorities among calls for service; keeps supervisory personnel aware of priority calls and equipment status.
• Maintains reporting on computer-aided dispatching systems; performs data entry on computer to enter service calls ensuring that entries are concise and accurate.
• Updates files, and maintains accurate, detailed records, logs and other information.
• Maintains constant and diligent monitoring of the radio system; monitors computer to track unit status; ensures rapid response of police to fire or emergency calls.
• Communicates via telephone or radio with other agencies, such as utility companies, alarm services, ambulances, town and state highway departments, animal control officers, towing agencies, hospitals, water departments, etc.
• Operates NCIC/LEAPS computer terminal to obtain or input information on persons, property, and vehicles in nationwide law enforcement network for officers and administrators.
• May be required to train new employees assigned to dispatch duties. Ascertains that all radio equipment is properly functioning and reports any breakdown or defects immediately to the officer in charge; records administrative events regarding equipment failures, personnel absences, and other events.
• Maintains all certifications, licenses and professional associations in order to keep abreast of current dispatching procedures. Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates for this position should have at least a High School Diploma, be 18 years of age at the time of employment and possess a valid driver’s license. 2 – 4 years prior experience as a 911 dispatcher is preferred but not required.

Starting Salary – $51,833 (step adjustments for experienced transfers)

Shifts – Work shift is subject to bid by seniority. Telecommunicators work four days and have two days off for a six-day work week. Shifts are 11pm – 7am, 7am – 3pm and 3pm – 11pm.

Additional Requirements: Certification in enhanced 9-1-1 systems in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch is preferred.

Application deadline: Positions will be posted until filled

If interested you should send a cover letter and resume to Michele Rivera, Human Resources Director,

or email to HR@town.billerica.ma.us

The Town of Billerica is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment Application