Mansfield Police and Fire Praised for Response to Boston Marathon Bombing

When Boston needed the help of local police and fire departments in the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombing, Mansfield answered.

Like many other towns, Mansfield sent four members of their police department as part of a call up by the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council to provide security and investigative support to the City of Boston in the days after the Boston Marathon Bombing.

Being recognized for their work in front of the selectmen, Mansfield Police Chief Ron Sellon praised the members of his department for their efforts to help Boston in the days after the bombing.

“Members of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Counsel stood fixed posts for extended periods of time in heavy gear while knowing that a dangerous terrorist had struck once, and would likely do so again,” Sellon said.

The police chief added that some of the Mansfield members of the counsel put in 17 hour days during their time in Boston.

For their efforts, the four officers received letters commending them for their work from Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis and Chief Richard Stillman, the president of METRO LEC.

Fire Chief Neil Boldrighini also presented Deputy Chief James Puleo with a letter of recognition for his involvement in the J­-Hat Team and their response to the bombing.

“You (Puleo) have consistently scarified time with your friends and your family just to put yourself in harm’s way simply because it was the right thing to do,” Boldrighini said, “You’ve done this over your entire career and to me that embodies what a firefighter is suppose to do on any given day.”

The response also drew praise from the selectmen who were proud of the performance by members of Mansfield police and fire.

“I’m extremely proud of these individuals," Selectman Doug Annino said, "Continuously amaze me and reinforce my belief that we have the best.” 

In addition to the letters of commendation, two officers received promotions. Sergeant Larry Crossman was sworn in as the new head of the detectives division, replacing Sellon. 

Crossman started his career in Mansfield before moving to the Sharon police. In 1992, Crossman came back to Mansfield and was promoted to detective quickly after his return. In 2005, he was promoted to a sergeant. His official title will be detective sergeant.

Officer Jeff Bombard was also promoted to sergeant. A Mansfield native, Bombard began his career in 2006 as a reserve officer in Mansfield before becoming a full-time officer in 2007. During his time with the Mansfield police, Bombard has worked as a member of the Metro SWAT team.