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.

PHOTOS: Billerica Police Department Celebrates Public Safety Day

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BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that the Billerica Police Department once again celebrated Public Safety Day thanks to a variety of community partners.

On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Billerica Police Department was joined by numerous community partners as it celebrated Public Safety Day, a day to recognize and get to know the town’s first responders.

There were food trucks, animal demonstrations from Animal Adventures, K-9 demonstrations from members of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council K-9 Unit, a flyover from the Massachusetts State Police Airwing, plenty of public safety vehicles on display and more.

Agencies and organizations that supported Public Safety Night include the Billerica Fire Department, Billerica Animal Control, Billerica EMS, Billerica Board of Health, Animal Adventures, Billerica Department of Public Works, the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, Stuart’s Automotive, the Massachusetts Probation Office, the Massachusetts National Guard, Massachusetts Environmental Police, AAA Northeast, the U.S. Park Service Police, the Burlington Police Drone Unit, the Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge, and Hanscom Federal Credit Union.

“We’re pleased that public safety day was a great success this year, with lots of public safety assets and vendors on hand, and lots of residents who stopped by to join the fun,” said Chief Frost. “The Billerica Police Department is committed to being a part of this community, and this was a great opportunity to have some fun with our neighbors and fellow townspeople.”

Both the Billerica Hockey Association and the Parker School Parent Teacher Organization made generous donations to the Taylor Family Memorial Trust during Public Safety Day in honor of fallen Billerica Police Sgt. Ian Taylor.

Members of the Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge also made a generous donation to the family of Sgt. Taylor. Masonic Lodge members presented Chief Frost with a check for the Taylor family, as well as 16 backpacks filled with stuffed animals that police will now be able to distribute to children while responding to traumatic and difficult incidents.

The backpacks were donated as part of the Masonic Lodge’s Project Delta, which has distributed thousands of such backpacks across the state and region. Each backpack is filled with two or three stuffed animals that are meant to help calm a child experiencing a crisis situation.

To learn more about Project Delta, visit: https://projectdelta.boston/.

Friedman Celebrates New Law Supporting First Responders Violently Injured in the Line of Duty; Recognizes Chief Roy Frost

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New law ensures eligible first responders receive full compensation until retirement

(BOSTON) Last week, Governor Maura Healey signed into law An Act relative to disability pensions and critical incident stress management for violent crimes as Chapter 149 of the Acts of 2024, a new law ensuring that first responders who are permanently injured by violent acts in the line of duty receive their full regular compensation until they reach retirement age. The new law provides financial security for first responders and their families after a critical or life-threatening injury occurs while serving their state, county, city, or town. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), had been filed for multiple sessions, originally introduced by the late Senator Ken Donnelly when Senator Friedman served as his chief of staff.

“I have fought to authorize full disability pensions for first responders violently injured on duty dating back to my time working with and for my predecessor, Senator Ken Donnelly,” said Senator Friedman. “As a former firefighter, there was no bigger advocate of honoring the service and sacrifice of first responders of Massachusetts than Ken, and I am honored to have been able to play a role in getting this bill signed by the Governor, further cementing Ken’s incredible legacy. This legislation will change the lives of first responders and their families who have had to suffer through tremendous hardship.”

The legislation authorizes any employee considered a member-in-service of a retirement board to be eligible for accidental disability retirement if they sustain a catastrophic, life-threatening, or life-altering and permanent bodily injury, and are no longer able to perform their duties. Retirement boards would review evidence deemed appropriate, such as a medical panel finding that the member is physically unable to perform the essential duties of their job due to a violent act injury, and that this inability is likely to be permanent.

Senator Friedman also recognized the role law enforcement officials played in getting this legislation to the Governor’s desk, including Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost.

“This bill would not have become law without the support and partnership from first responders and law enforcement across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Friedman. “Chief Frost has been a strong partner, demonstrating the significance this policy will have to police officers across Massachusetts. I thank Chief Frost for his leadership and all he does to support first responders and the men and women of the Billerica Police Department each day.”

“This law brings common sense back to public service. For too long, Police Officers in Massachusetts who were violently injured while serving and protecting their community were forced to face extremely difficult financial hardships due to the existing pension constraints,” said Billerica Police Chief Frost. “This bill was brought forward thanks to the hard work and advocacy of former Police Officers Mario Oliveira and Bob DiNapoli, both of whom were severely injured and nearly lost their lives to gunfire while protecting their communities. I want to thank Senator Cindy Friedman and Representative Marc Lombardo for their unwavering support on this bill. Both have been strong advocates on behalf of this Department and all First
Responders in Massachusetts.”

Working with Officer Oliveira and Officer DiNapoli, two longtime law enforcement leaders, Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes and Bedford Police Chief Bobby Bongiorno, also helped guide the bill through the legislative process. The legislation was met with support throughout the years from John Nelson of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, Frank Frederickson of the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police, Larry Calderone of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, the Massachusetts Police Association, and the New England Police Benevolent Association.

The law also requires that following any incident involving exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, a member must receive notice of critical incident stress management debriefing programs. This provision ensures that first responders have access to the mental health support they need after traumatic events.