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 Billerica Police Department is investigating a vandalism that occurred on October 25, 2022, at the Peggy Hannon Rizza Recreation Complex located next to the Billerica Boys and Girls Club.

The Police Department is reaching out to neighborhood residents who may have exterior surveillance cameras. Please check these systems for video between the hours of 7:30pm and 10pm on October 25th to determine if any suspicious activity may have been recorded.

Residents who have information that may aid the Police Department in this investigation are encouraged to contact Billerica Police Detectives at (978) 667-1212.