The State Police Association of Massachusetts
[Memorial to Fallen Officers]

Tpr. Mike Mazza of the West Team responded to the City of Westfield for an investigation into a fire at a house of worship. A subsequent investigation by Tpr. Mazza and detectives from Westfield PD revealed the fire had been set on the exterior wall and quickly spread throughout the structure, completely destroying it. Further investigation revealed an 18 year old youth had broken into a storage shed, removed a can of gasoline and used the gasoline as an accelerant to set the structure on fire. The youth was arrested on Arson charges.

Tpr. Donald Bossi and AK-9 Tubbs of the North Team responded to a fire scene in an unoccupied, single family home in Danvers one recent weekend. As part of the investigation, the next door neighbor (who also happened to be the 911 caller) was interviewed. The caller was originally thought to be a hero, for his efforts in trying to control the fire with his garden hose prior to the arrival of fire crews. During the interview, a few red flags were raised. After further investigation, the subject was brought back in for a second interview. He subsequently confessed to lighting the fire and was placed under arrest on Arson charges.

Tpr. Robert McCarthy and Tpr. Tim Bombard of the Central Team responded to the Town of Westminster for a report of a chemical reaction bomb explosion. Further investigation by Tpr. McCarthy and detectives from Westminster PD revealed a series of chemical reaction bomb detonations in Westminster and several surrounding communities. Two search warrants were executed by Tprs. McCarthy and Bombard, along with detectives from Westminster PD and agents from ATF, which resulted in six individuals being identified. After interviews, the subjects confessed to their involvement and were charged with these explosions.

Tpr. Donald Bossi was called to assist Salisbury Police and Fire at the scene of a large fire in a state-run group home. The investigation revealed that the fire was intentionally set by the occupant of the basement level apartment. The apartment was custom built for this particular resident, a double amputee, who was wheelchair bound, and cost the taxpayers of the Commonwealth a substantial amount. The subject was charged with Arson of the dwelling and indicted in Superior Court. As an interesting side note, the subject had been responsible for past fires, but had not been charged because of his perceived mental status. Also, the subject was wheelchair bound with no prosthetics because he had previously lit the prosthetic legs on fire as well as assaulted a police officer with them. 

Tpr. Dave Percy of the West Team responded to the City of Holyoke for a fire in a multi family structure. Further investigation revealed the fire was intentionally set on the 2nd floor porch. Undaunted in his investigation, Tpr. Percy was able to identify several juveniles involved in the fire and charged them with Arson.

Tpr. James Welch of the North Team and Tpr. Sean Maloney of the Bomb Squad responded to North Andover for a report of several chemical reaction bombs being detonated. Further investigation revealed one device did not detonate and was rendered safe by Tpr. Maloney. Investigation revealed similar incidents in Methuen. After a joint investigation five subjects were identified and arrested for the placement and detonation of these devices. 

Tpr. Donald Bossi and AK-9 Tubbs were called to assist Salem Fire with a fire that occurred in the elevator of a local hotel. A scene examination determined that the fire was intentionally set. An extensive criminal investigation was then conducted with numerous interviews. After sorting through the speculation and finger pointing, a prime suspect was identified. He was interviewed and subsequently confessed to lighting the fire because he was mad at his girlfriend. Charges of Arson and Malicious Destruction are pending.

Tpr. Mike Peters of the South Team responded to a fire in Truro. Tpr Peters determined the fire was incendiary. After further investigation a female was charged with setting the fire after a dispute with the owner. 

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