Chief Paul Matthews (Ret.)

BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost is saddened to share that retired Billerica Police Chief Paul Matthews, who served the department from 1970 to 2001, passed away on Friday at the age of 78.

A lifelong Billerica resident, Chief Matthews joined the Billerica Police Department on Nov. 2, 1970. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1982, to Lieutenant in 1984, and to Chief in 1994. He served the department as Chief until his retirement in 2001.

Chief Matthews held a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Lowell, and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.

Chief Matthews was also a U.S. Navy veteran who served on active duty from 1967 to 1968, and with the U.S. Naval Reserves until 1972.

“Chief Paul Matthews was a committed public servant who loved the community where he spent his entire life,” said Chief Frost. “Even after retirement, Chief Matthews stayed involved in service through his work with the Billerica Municipal Credit Union, the Cemetery Commission and other boards. He always made time to show up for public events, especially those involving the Billerica Police Department. He was a wealth of historical knowledge on all things Billerica and would always be ready to tell a story to anyone he met. He will truly be missed.”

Chief Matthews was married to his wife Sandy Matthews for 57 years. They have two children — Michael Matthews, of Chelmsford, and Karen Fisher, of Virginia Beach, VA. The couple also has five grandchildren — James, Christopher, Sean, Caitlin and Matthew. Chief Matthews also leaves behind a sister, Regina Powers, of Billerica.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 6, at Sweeney Funeral Home, 66 Concord Road, Billerica from 4 to 7 p.m.  A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 7, in the funeral home at 11 a.m., with internment at Fox Hill Cemetery in Billerica.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chief Matthews’ name to the Jonathan E. Reardon Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Enterprise Bank, 647 Boston Road, Billerica MA 01821.

To reach Chief Matthews’ obituary, click here.