Newly Sworn-In Officer Robert Lee takes the Oath of Office

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Officer Robert Lee takes the Oath of Office with Town Clerk Donna McCoy

BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that the Billerica Police Department is welcoming a new officer to the department .

Officer Robert Lee, of Billerica, graduated from the Fitchburg State University Police Academy on Sept. 13, and was sworn in Friday by Town Clerk Donna McCoy.

Officer Lee is a Billerica native and graduate of Billerica Memorial High School. Both of his parents, Richard and Susan Lee, are formerly police officers, and Officer Lee grew up fascinated by the work his parents did.

Officer Lee attained the rank of Eagle Scout during his senior year of high school, and then attended Fitchburg State University where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice before attending the Fitchburg State University Police Academy.

Officer Lee will participate in the Billerica Police New Hire Program. This program consists of Field Training, Scenario Based Training and a year of Probation. The New Hire Program is administered by experienced Training Officers.

“Officer Lee showed genuine dedication during the police academy and in his studies leading up to the academy,” said Chief Frost. “I am confident he will progress well in his probationary year while serving the community with dignity and pride.”

From left to right are Lieutenant Commander Frank Mirasolo, Officer Robert Lee, Chief Roy Frost

Former Billerica Police Officer Indicted by Middlesex County Grand Jury after Alleged Inappropriate Relationship with Minor

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                          Media Contact:  Robert Mills
Wednesday, October 9, 2024                                                                                                          Phone (617) 993-0003Email:                                                                                                                                                            robert@jgpr.net

Allegations Identified and Investigated by Billerica Police Department and Forwarded to District Attorney’s Office

BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost reports that, after an investigation brought forward by the Billerica Police Department, a former Billerica Police Officer was indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on charges of rape of a child and possession of child pornography.

On Dec. 3, 2023, Billerica Police became aware of allegations against Officer Alexander Allen involving an improper relationship with a then-18-year-old.

An internal affairs investigation was launched immediately. Allen, who had served in the Department since 2018, was placed on paid administrative leave as of Dec. 5, 2023.

On Dec. 6, 2023, the Billerica Police Department hired Discrimination and Harassment Solutions LLC, to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. Chief Frost notified the Massachusetts Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission, of the officer’s status and the investigation, recommending that Allen’s certification be temporarily suspended.

The POST Commission maintains a public record of all disciplinary actions against police officers in the interest of full transparency within law enforcement.

On Dec. 14, 2023, as the department’s investigation unfolded, Billerica Police contacted the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, which opened a criminal investigation.

On Dec. 15, 2023, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office requested that Billerica Police suspend its internal investigation to preserve the integrity of the DA’s criminal investigation.

On Dec. 18, 2023, Officer Allen resigned, and the department notified the POST Commission. Chief Frost has since requested that the POST Commission temporarily decertify Allen as a police officer.

Allen was indicted on Oct. 3. Based on that indictment, another officer was placed on paid administrative leave on Tuesday, Oct. 8 pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation into potential violations of departmental policy related to this case.

“The allegations against Allen, if proven, are deeply disturbing and represent a betrayal of the oath sworn by police officers to protect the innocent and serve the public with integrity,” Chief Frost said. “Upon learning of the allegations, we followed our established policies and procedures, which included launching an internal affairs investigation and notifying our district attorney. There is no room in the Billerica Police Department for the abhorrent behavior alleged in this case.”

(These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Further media inquiries should be directed to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.)

Chief’s Corner – Fall 2024

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Announcements and Updates

  • The police department is in the process of applying for a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Office of Grants and Research under the FY25 Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Grant Program. The program offers up to $250,000 to departments such as Billerica (greater than 50 sworn) for capital costs related to a Body Worn Camera (BWC) program. Administrative costs and software costs are not covered by the grant program. The Billerica Police administration, along with members of its collective bargaining unit (unions), will work together to identify a vendor that offers the best option for the department. It is our belief that a BWC program serves to increase trust and transparency with the public that we serve.
  • On Monday, September 30, 2024, Deputy Chief Glen Magnan begins a ten-week training program on executive management in Law Enforcement at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. This program is an exclusive professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. Once nominated, participation is by invitation only, with less than 1% of police officers gaining admission. It is our belief that investing in the educational and professional development of our police leaders translates into better overall police organizations and safer communities.
  • Since the beginning of 2024, the Billerica Police have brought on ten (10) new patrol officers. Of those ten, four (4) are currently fully trained and on the road working with field training officers. This is a big increase from the four (4) officers hired back in 2023. The Billerica Police consists of sixty-six (66) sworn officers, along with seventeen (17) paramedics, nine (9) Public Safety Telecommunicators, two full time and one part time (2.5) animal control officers (shared with Tewksbury), and five (5) civilian support personnel. We also are pleased to have multiple volunteers and interns that work to make the department one of the best in the Commonwealth.

Department Initiatives and Programs

  • Billerica will be starting its 2025 Citizens Police Academy. The academy, which is set to being on October 9, 2024, will consist of six (6) Wednesday evening sessions from 6p-830p. It will cover various topics, including:
    • Communications
    • Emergency Medical Services
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Student Resources Program
    • Traffic Enforcement
    • Mental Health
    • Fraud Awareness
    • Animal Control
    • K9 Unit
    • Training Division

To be eligible, you must be a Billerica resident, 21 years old or older, and be able to commit to all six sessions.                          Please contact the Billerica Police to sign up for open slots at socialmedia (at) billericapolice.org.

  • With the start of the new school year, our day shift police officers will be gearing up for their annual Adopt-A-School initiative. This program assigns various officers to elementary schools in their patrol sector, where at the discretion of the school principal, they stop into the school to create positive relationships with students and staff. Officers are also able to assist with making safety and security observations related to the physical school, such as suspicious activity, access control, vehicular and roadway safety, etc. Frequency of the officer visits to the school will vary, with most officers spending 15 to 30 minutes at the school twice per week.

Billerica Police Department Investigating Threat, No Danger to the Public

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BILLERICA – Chief Roy Frost reports that the Billerica Police Department is investigating a threat that was made against the department last night.

On Monday, Sept. 16, at approximately 9 p.m., Billerica Police were notified by Billerica Public Schools of a threat made on social media against the police department.

A preliminary investigation identified the individual who made the threats as a juvenile Billerica Memorial High School student. It was quickly determined that there was no danger to the public or the department and the threat was deemed not credible.

There was no direct threat made against the Billerica Public Schools community. However, out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence at all Billerica schools.

At this time no charges or citations have been filed. This incident remains under investigation by the Billerica Police Department and the department will continue to work in collaboration with the School District to identify subsequent action needed to appropriately address the student’s behavior.

“I would like to acknowledge the school district and school community for alerting us to this online threat,” said Chief Frost. “The safety of our community and of our department members is our top priority and we take threats such as these extremely seriously.”

Billerica Police Department Welcomes Three New Officers

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From left, new Billerica Police Officers Kyle Berry, John Duggan and Paul Garrity stand next to the Billerica Police Memorial outside of the police station and town hall.

BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that the Billerica Police Department is welcoming three new police officers to the department.

Officers John Duggan, Paul Garrity and Kyle Berry are currently undergoing an intensive 12-week field training program under the supervision of experienced officers to prepare them to patrol on their own.

Officers Duggan and Garrity graduated in August from the Northern Essex Community College Police Academy in Haverhill, while Officer Berry graduated from the Lynnfield Police Academy before spending a year working as a police officer for Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center.

Officer Kyle Berry:

Officer Berry is a Billerica native who graduated from Shawsheen Valley Technical High School’s Masonry program. He was an Eagle Scout with Troop 11 in Billerica. Officer Berry previously worked in security at New England Baptist Hospital, and as a police officer at Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center in Boston.

“I’ve always wanted to be a Police Officer ever since I was young and attending the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office camp in the summer,” Officer Berry said. “I’m excited to be able to serve the community I grew up in and continue to make it a great place to live.”

Officer Paul Garrity:

Officer Garrity is an Everett native and graduate of Everett High School who now lives in Billerica. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from Bunker Hill Community College, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from October 2014 to March 2018.

“When I was discharged from the Marines, I knew I wanted to be a police officer and help people,” said Officer Garrity. “I’m passionate about helping my community.”

Officer John Duggan:

Officer Duggan is a Billerica native and graduate of Shawsheen Valley Technical High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University, and previously worked for his father’s electrical company. His grandfather is a retired member of the Arlington Police Department.

“When I first saw my grandfather’s badge, I knew right there that I wanted to be a police officer,” Officer Duggan said.

“We are a very pleased to welcome these three highly qualified officers to our department,” said Chief Frost. “All three new officers have roots in our community and I expect them to have a bright future with Billerica Police.”

Public Health Notification

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Town Seal

The Board of Health has been notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that a mosquito collection from the Central Mass Mosquito Control Projects (CMMCP) traps in Billerica has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).  The CMMCP will continue surveillance and to treat larvicide in catch basins in Billerica.

The CMMCP will also be conducting a conducting a truck mounted, ultra low volume mosquito control spray application in Billerica in specific areas tomorrow night (8/16/24) beginning at 8:30 PM, for more information on spray areas please visit: https://www.cmmcp.org/home/pages/tentative-spray-areas.  The ultra low volume mosquito control spray application allows the CMMCP to control adult mosquitoes using the least amount of pesticide possible.  Please call CMMCP at 508-393-3055 if you have questions concerning this application.

Please take the following steps to prevent mosquitos from biting you:

  • Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, if possible, since this is the time when mosquitoes are most active.
  • If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
  • Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the label. DEET can be toxic if overused. Never use DEET on infants. Avoid using repellents with DEET concentrations above 10-15% for children and with concentrations above 30-35% for adults. Cream, lotion or stick formulas are best. Avoid products with high amounts of alcohol.
  • Most mosquito repellents will remain effective for many hours, so it is not necessary to reapply the repellent. Once inside, wash off insect repellents thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Take special care to cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
  • Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.