Billerica Police Department Welcomes Seven New Officers from the Police Academy

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Billerica Police commanders stand with seven new police officers at the Billerica Police Memorial outside of the police station. From left are Sgt. Cory Bandouveres, Officer Joseph Zuccaro, Lt. Robert Beloin, Officer Samuel Hawkes, Officer Thomas Cranson, Officer Matthew Irwin, Chief Roy Frost, Officer Aaron Sprague, Officer John Eldridge, Lt. Commander John Harring, and Officer Aaron Welborn. (Photo Courtesy Billerica Police Department)

BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that the Billerica Police Department is welcoming seven new police officers who graduated from police academies.

Officers Aaron Welborn and Matthew Irwin graduated on Feb. 14 from the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Police Academy in Haverhill. Officers Joseph Zuccaro, Aaron Sprague, Samuel Hawkes, and Thomas Cranson graduated on Feb. 28 from the MPTC Police Academy in Lynnfield.

All six officers are now undergoing a 12-week Field Training Program, working under the direct supervision of a more experienced officer.  Also undergoing Field Training is Officer John Eldridge, who graduated in January of 2024 from the MPTC Police Academy in Lynnfield. Officer Eldridge deployed to Iraq with the Massachusetts National Guard shortly after completing the police academy and returned to duty in Billerica on Feb. 21.

Officer John Eldridge

“I am extremely pleased that, amid nationwide issues with recruitment, we were able to find seven well-qualified candidates to become police officers in our community,” said Chief Frost. “I’m also pleased to welcome Officer Eldridge back to Billerica. I look forward to seeing where all seven of these individuals end up in their careers.”

Officer Joseph Zuccaro

Officer Zuccaro is a nearly life-long Billerica resident who played youth sports in town and graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 2011. He earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice and psychology from the University of New Haven in 2015. Officer Zuccaro spent five years working as a special education paraprofessional in Brookline and Lexington. In 2019, he became a probation officer, working in Waltham and Concord District Courts and Roxbury Municipal Court.

“Working for the Billerica Police Department allows me to continue to help and serve individuals and finally allows me to give back to the community that I grew up in,” said Officer Zuccaro.

Officer Aaron Welborn

Officer Welborn grew up in Baltimore and served in both the United States Air Force and the United States Coast Guard, serving for a total of 14 years. He grew to like Massachusetts while stationed here and was drawn to a career in law enforcement.

“I wanted to become a police officer because I’ve always been drawn to helping people and wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Officer Welborn. “I’m extremely excited for this opportunity to serve the town.”

Officer Aaron Sprague

 

Officer Sprague is a Billerica native who graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 2019. He earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Middlesex Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UMass Lowell. Prior to completing the police academy, Officer Sprague worked for the U.S. Postal Service.

“I’m both honored and excited to begin serving this great community as part of its police department,” said Officer Sprague. “I look forward to being able to help those in need and make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Officer Matthew Irwin

Officer Irwin is a Billerica native who graduated from Shawsheen Valley Technical High School, where he studied HVAC. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Framingham State University, where he also played ice hockey. Officer Irwin worked in construction before completing the police academy.

“Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a police officer, and having the ability to do so in the town that I grew up in is an incredible honor. I am very excited to get started,” said Officer Irwin.

Officer Samuel Hawkes

Officer Hawkes is a Billerica native who graduated in 2021 from Billerica Memorial High School, where he played ice hockey. Officer Hawkes has worked in construction since graduation.

“I wanted to become a police officer in my hometown to serve and protect the community where I grew up,” said Officer Hawkes. “I am very happy to join Billerica Police, and I look forward to meeting the many great people around the Town of Billerica.”

Officer Thomas Cranson

Officer Cranson’s a Belmont native who moved to Billerica while attending Arlington Catholic High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University. Officer Cranson worked as a security officer at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.

“I became a police officer because I wanted to serve my community and try to make a positive impact on the people that I interact with. This has always been a lifelong goal of mine and look forward to serving the Billerica Community with pride,” said Officer Cranson.

Seven new police officers who are undergoing 12-week Field Training Programs stand together at the Billerica Police Department. (Photo Courtesy Billerica Police Department)- Note: Officer John Eldridge pictured on far left

Billerica Police Department Charges Man in Connection with Breaking and Entering

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BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost announces that the Billerica Police Department arrested a man in connection with a series of break-ins at a local storage facility.

MICHAEL PAYNE, AGE 49, OF NO KNOWN ADDRESS, was arrested and charged with:

  • Receiving Stolen Property (Two Counts)
  • Breaking Into a Depository (Two Counts)
  • Malicious Destruction of Property

On Thursday, Jan. 30, at approximately 1 p.m., Billerica Police were notified of damage to a storage unit and an apparent break-in at Extra Space Storage, 26 Cook St.

Police discovered that several units of the storage facility were broken into by someone who pried back the roof of the units to gain entry. An estimated $25,000 worth of items were taken from several units.

A subsequent investigation that involved reviewing surveillance footage from the facility, as well as entry pins, identified a blue Honda CRV as a vehicle involved in the thefts.

Police then observed a blue Honda CRV enter and exit the storage facility later Thursday night, and stopped the vehicle a short distance away on Boston Road.

During the motor vehicle stop, police located several items that were taken in the break-ins inside the Honda and identified the driver as PAYNE. PAYNE also fit the description of a man seen in surveillance videos of the break-in.

PAYNE was taken into custody without further incident. Payne was arraigned Friday January 31, 2025 in Lowell District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

UPDATE: Billerica Police Arrest Third Suspect in VFW Break In and Safe Theft

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BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost announces that the Billerica Police Department arrested a third suspect in connection with a break-in at a local VFW post.

PETER GEORGE POULAKOS, 32, OF LOWELL, was arrested and charged with:

  • Breaking & Entering Nighttime for Felony
  • Conspiracy
  • Larceny Over $1,200
  • Break Into Depository
  • Larceny from a Building

Peter George Poulakos, 32, of Lowell

On Monday, Jan. 13, around 8 a.m., police were called to the Solomon VFW Post, 12 Phiney St., for a report of a break-in and stolen safe. A janitorial employee entered the building that morning and noticed the safe was missing. The bartender said the safe was still inside the location when they left the previous night.

A subsequent investigation used evidence found at the scene and surveillance footage from the area to develop information on a pickup truck that was used to transport the safe away from the VFW. Police subsequently identified POULAKOS, CHRISTOPHER JOHN SILVA, 53, OF LOWELL, and SAN SIN, 47, OF LOWELL, as suspects. The safe was discarded in Lowell and recovered by police as the investigation was ongoing.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Billerica Police, assisted by the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), Lowell Police and Chelmsford Police, executed a search warrant related to the investigation at an address on Wright Street in Lowell.

As a result of the search warrant, police located cash and evidence related to the break-in and theft of the safe. Police subsequently arrested SILVA and SIN without further incident. A fourth individual, a 49-year-old Lowell man, will be summonsed to court at a later date to face charges in connection with the incident.

On Friday, Jan. 17, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Billerica Police, with assistance from Lowell Police, located POULAKOS at the home on Wright Street in Lowell where the search warrant was previously served. POULAKOS was taken into custody without further incident.

POULAKOS will be arraigned Friday in Lowell District Court.

SILVA and SIN were arraigned previously, and their cases remain pending.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Billerica Police Arrest 2 Suspects Linked to VFW Safe Theft

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BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost announces that the Billerica Police Department made two arrests Wednesday in connection with the theft of a safe from a local VFW Post.

CHRISTOPHER JOHN SILVA, 53, OF LOWELL, is charged with:

  • Breaking & Entering Nighttime for Felony
  • Conspiracy
  • Larceny Over $1,200
  • Break Into Depository
  • Larceny from Building

SAN SIN, 47, OF LOWELL, is charged with:

  • Conspiracy
  • Larceny Over $1,200
  • Break Into Depository
  • Larceny from Building

Christopher John Silva (left) and San Sin (Right)

On Monday, Jan. 13, around 8 a.m., police were called to the Solomon VFW Post, 12 Phiney St., for a report of a break in and stolen safe. A janitorial employee entered the building that morning and noticed the safe was missing. The bartender said the safe was still inside the location when they left the previous night.

A subsequent investigation used evidence found at the scene and surveillance footage from the area to develop information on a pickup truck that was used to transport the safe away from the VFW. Police subsequently identified SILVA, SIN, and PETER GEORGE POULAKOS, 32, OF LOWELL, as suspects. The safe was discarded in Lowell and recovered by police as the investigation was ongoing.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Billerica Police, assisted by the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), executed a search warrant related to the investigation at an address on Wright Street in Lowell.

As a result of the search warrant, police located cash and evidence related to the break-in and theft of the safe. Police subsequently arrested SILVA and SIN without further incident. Police are seeking POULAKOS, and are pursuing a warrant for his arrest.

A fourth individual, a 49-year-old Lowell man, will be summonsed to court at a later date to face charges in connection with the incident.

SILVA and SIN will be arraigned Thursday in Lowell District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Recovered Safe from Burglary

Billerica Police EMS Director Joe Devlin Retiring, to be Replaced by Director Robert O’Brien

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New Medical Director of Billerica EMS Robert Obrien

Medical Director Joseph Devlin

BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that EMS Director Joe Devlin is retiring from a 32-year career with the Town of Billerica. Devlin will be replaced as director by Paramedic Robert O’Brien, who has worked for the town for 20 years.

Director Devlin will retire from a 32-year career on Jan. 24. He was hired as a paramedic with Billerica EMS in 1993 and rose through the department’s ranks as it expanded over the years.  In 2011, Devlin was promoted to EMS Supervisor. He became EMS director in 2021, overseeing 16 full-time paramedics and a department that operates two 24/7 ambulances for the town.
Director Devlin oversaw the department as it expanded to operating two 24/7 ambulances in 2016 due to increased call volume in town.  As EMS Director, Devlin coordinated EMS services in town throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Working directly with the Board of Health, along with Billerica Fire and Emergency Management, Director Delvin was instrumental in helping to coordinate a local public health response to the pandemic. He also helped coordinate the creation of a Town of Billerica COVID-19 testing site in November 2020, a period of time when many people in Massachusetts had limited access to reliable testing.

“I want to thank Director Devlin for his 32 years of exceptional service to the Town of Billerica,” said Chief Frost. “Director Devlin oversaw both an expansion of our EMS services, as well as our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His professionalism and experience will be greatly missed.”

Director Devlin will be replaced by Paramedic O’Brien, who has been with the Town of Billerica for 20 years out of his more than 27-year career in EMS. O’Brien was chosen from among six finalists for the position, following a very competitive open application period.  Director O’Brien is a nationally certified paramedic who has worked as the Clinical Coordinator for Billerica EMS since 2016, overseeing quality assurance and improvement.  Director O’Brien holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Clark University, and a certificate in Paramedic Medicine from Quinsigamond College. He previously worked for Norwood Hospital and Action Ambulance.

The transition to a new EMS Director will take place over the next few weeks leading to Director Devlin’s retirement on Jan. 24.
“I am confident that our interview process identified Paramedic O’Brien as the candidate most ready, motivated and well-suited to bring Billerica EMS into the future, while also continuing to focus on the services’ well-earned tradition of high-quality emergency patient care and community engagement,” said Chief Frost.

Chief Roy Frost pinning newly appointed Medical Director Robert Obrien

Town Manager Clancy Main along with Selectboard Members Mike Riley, John Burrows, Mike Rosa and Dina Favreau along with members from Billerica EMS and Police

Billerica Police Department Receives $174,675 State Grant for Body-Worn Camera Program

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BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that the Billerica Police Department has received a $174,675 grant to fund a body-worn camera program.

The $174,675 grant from the FY25 Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Program will fund the purchase of body-worn cameras, computer storage capacity, software, and more to enable a body-worn camera program to move forward at the Billerica Police Department.

The department must now select a vendor to purchase cameras and equipment from and put policies and procedures in place to guide the use of the cameras once they are deployed with officers.

“This is a major grant that will enable us to move forward with a body-worn camera program that will increase our transparency,” said Chief Frost. “We will move quickly to select a vendor and put policies and procedures into place.”

The grant received by Billerica Police was one of 10 awarded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration on Thursday, as a total of $728,892 in grants were distributed.

Since the Office of Grants and Research began the grant program in 2021, over $13.9 million has been made available to support local police departments with their efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and police-community relations through the adoption and expansion of body-worn camera programs.

“This grant program has been instrumental in helping local police departments equip officers with body-worn cameras, a vital tool for enhancing investigations and building trust with the community,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “By continuing to offer opportunities for departments to secure funding, we are ensuring more officers have access to this essential technology and enhancing public safety across the state.

Wearing body cameras demonstrates departments’ commitment to transparency and accountability and helps improve policing practices so that officers may better serve their communities.”

Research done by the Bureau of Justice Assistance suggests that implementing BWCs has led to reductions in crime, police-generated incidents, assaults against police officers, and complaints against police officers in certain communities.