In the Annual Town Report for 1950, prepared by the Mass. State Police, 69 arrests had been made. But it wasn’t long before the residents and voters changed their minds about having a local police department. In 1951 a State Trooper observed a resident walking across Main Street. This resident was somewhat inebriated and unsteady on his feet. The State Trooper arrested him. Shortly after, the Town decided to reinstitute the Department. Mr. Goff continued as Chief of Police and was given a budget and full police powers.

For a short time, lifelong resident Fred Sanchioni, served as Chief. It was during his tenure that the worst tornado to ever hit Massachusetts took place, June 1953. Southborough, particularly along Route 9, was devastated. The National Guard was called in to patrol the Town and assist Chief Sanchioni. It was during this time that the first Police Woman, Grace Barber, was appointed.

In 1953 Frank Mattioli was appointed and remained as Chief until 1979 when he retired. It was during Chief Mattioli’s tenure that the Department grew and developed many of the policies and procedures still in effect today. His brother, Richard, joined the force in the 1960’s as a part-time officer. Two of Dick’s sons are current members of the Department.

Whenever anyone would dial the police, the phone would ring in the Marlborough Police Department. They would notify the answering service who would then reach Chief Mattioli via radio in his car or at home. Then the Police ‘Station’ opened at the Town Hall in 1960s. It was really only two small rooms. The station closed at night, and re-opened at 8 a.m. each weekday. In 1972 the Department moved to its current location, 19 Main Street, and operated on a 16-hour basis, 8 a.m. to 12 Midnight. After the first year, it was manned 24-hours per day.

It was also during 1972 that the first dispatcher was hired. Prior to 1972, all police calls were handled by an answering service which would then contact the Chief or the on-duty patrolman via cruiser radio. Also from 1953 until this time, Chief Mattioli would also answered some calls at his home.

 

In 1980 an out-of-towner, Robert Goyette, was hired as Chief. He left due to medical reasons; and in 1981, William Baker, a former officer and Sergeant with the Southboro Police become the next Chief.

Continued