Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association

09/30/2026

It’s not too late to join Team Police Chiefs!

The Jimmy Fund Walk is this Sunday, October 4, and we’d love to have you walk with us in support of our Hero Match, Connor, and the patients and families served by Dana-Farber.

From meeting Connor to getting this year’s shirt and walk number ready, we’re looking forward to another memorable day together. These photos, including Team Police Chiefs at a previous Walk, are a reminder of why we keep showing up.

Please join us! Invite your family, friends, and coworkers to help raise funds for lifesaving cancer research and care.

Register today and select Team Police Chiefs:
https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=jfw_register&fr_id=2560

In unity there is strength. Let’s walk together for Connor! 💙

09/23/2026

Meet Connor, Team Police Chiefs’ Hero Match for the 2026 Jimmy Fund Walk! 💙

Connor recently took to the skies for a special flight, and he has a message for the police chiefs supporting him. Take a moment to watch his video.

Now we’re asking our members, departments, families, and friends to show up for Connor. Join Team Police Chiefs for the Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday, October 4, and help support the patients and families Dana-Farber serves.

Sign up to walk with us: https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=jfw_register&fr_id=2560

Let’s make Connor proud, Team Police Chiefs!

09/21/2026

Congratulations to Spencer Police Chief Michael Befford on his well-earned retirement after more than 40 years of dedicated service.

It has been a true honor to work alongside Chief Michael Befford from the Spencer Police Department over the years, both as a fellow Police Chief and as a colleague within the Massachusetts law enforcement community.

As he begins his retirement, I want to thank him for more than 40 years of dedicated service to law enforcement, his community and the profession we are all proud to be a part of.

On behalf of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Southbridge Police Department and personally, I want to thank Chief Befford for his leadership, friendship and commitment to supporting his fellow chiefs and the law enforcement profession. While we will certainly miss having him as a Chief and colleague, he has earned this next chapter.

Congratulations on your retirement, Chief Befford! Wishing you and your family good health & happiness. Thank you for your service, your leadership and your friendship. Best wishes in retirement!

Chief Woodson

09/18/2026

A special evening with the Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber - Walk Hero Match Day!

MCOPA Executive Director Michael Bradley was honored to join our Walk Hero, Connor, at Kings, Legacy Place in Dedham.

It was an opportunity to celebrate Connor and the incredible courage of Dana-Farber patients and their families.

We are proud to stand with Connor and support the Jimmy Fund’s lifesaving mission.

It’s not too late to join Team Police Chiefs and support the Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday, October 4th!

https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=jfw_register&fr_id=2560

09/17/2026

We were honored to welcome Governor Maura Healey to Day Three of the MCOPA Annual Training Conference.
Governor Healey spoke with our members about the importance of strong public safety partnerships and continued collaboration among state and local leaders to keep communities across Massachusetts safe.

Thank you, Governor Healey, for joining us and engaging with Massachusetts police chiefs and command staff.

09/17/2026

Day Three of the MCOPA Annual Training Conference began with a powerful keynote from retired Chief Kristen Ziman.

Drawing on her experience leading through crisis, Chief Ziman shared valuable lessons about the moments that test police leaders and the decisions that define them.
Thank you, Chief Ziman, for a meaningful presentation.

09/16/2026

Today’s MCOPA Annual Training Conference featured an important panel discussion, “Removing Barriers to Women’s Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement in Policing.”

The panel offered valuable perspectives on creating meaningful opportunities, strengthening workplace culture, developing future leaders, and addressing the challenges that continue to affect women throughout their law enforcement careers.

Thank you to our panelists for sharing their experiences, insights, and practical strategies, and for helping advance this important conversation across the Massachusetts law enforcement community.

09/16/2026

Day 2 of the 2026 MCOPA Annual Training Conference included a special presentation recognizing Bob Sweeney, John Whitesides, and the Boston Bruins Foundation for their support of law enforcement and their continued commitment to honoring our fallen heroes and supporting their families.

We are deeply grateful for their generosity and partnership with the Massachusetts law enforcement community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another outstanding day of training, collaboration, and professional development.

09/16/2026

Congratulations to Westborough Police Department Chief Todd Minardi, recipient of the 2026 MCOPA Community Policing Award!

Chief Minardi was recognized today for his commitment to making community engagement part of the culture and core mission of the Westborough Police Department.

From supporting the department's Community Engagement Team and building relationships with schools, seniors, businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities, to spearheading the creation of the Westborough Police Foundation, Chief Minardi has created opportunities for officers and community members to become true partners.

MCOPA President Chief Shane Woodson was proud to present Chief Minardi with this well-deserved award.
Congratulations, Chief Minardi, and thank you for your commitment to community policing and the people of Westborough!

09/16/2026

Congratulations to Oak Bluffs Police Departmentoak Chief Jonathan Searle, recipient of the 2026 MCOPA Health & Wellness Leadership Award!

Chief Searle was recognized today for his commitment to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of law enforcement officers and for helping change the way our profession addresses trauma, critical incidents, and officer wellness.

Through peer support, critical-incident response practices, and his work to provide officers with confidential access to a dedicated licensed clinician, Chief Searle has demonstrated that taking care of the people who serve our communities must remain a priority for police leadership.

MCOPA President Chief Shane Woodson was honored to present Chief Searle with this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations, Chief Searle, and thank you for your leadership and commitment to the health and wellness of our officers!