For Immediate Release

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Methuen Police Department Among Winners of Nationwide Community Policing Photo Contest

METHUEN — Chief Joseph Solomon and Methuen Mayor James P. Jajuga are pleased to announce that the Methuen Police Department was among the winners of a nationwide photo contest hosted by Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS).

COPS, a nationwide organization that advocates for the loved ones of officers killed in the line of duty, recently announced that Methuen Police won the organization’s Community Policing in Action photo contest.

Each year since 2014, COPS has invited departments from throughout the country to submit photos that convey their community involvement. The Methuen Police Department’s winning photo was taken on Halloween by Officers Derek Licata and Matt St. Jean.

The two officers were patrolling on the west side of the city when they encountered 5-year-old Tyler Roy trick-or-treating with his grandparents. Roy was dressed in a police officer’s uniform and riding in a homemade Methuen Police K-9 cruiser that was crafted by his grandfather. The officers loved his costume and car so much, they felt they had to take a photo.

“We were all extremely honored by Tyler’s spirited support of our policing efforts,” Chief Solomon said. “He and his family did an excellent job recreating one of our cruisers as part of his costume, and I’m so grateful that Tyler and our officers had a chance to meet and engage with each other.”

“This photo truly reflects the deep importance of community policing on all of our residents,” Mayor Jajuga said. “I am proud of Chief Solomon and all of our officers for their deep understanding of the importance of forging a connection with our residents.”

###