The February Meeting was hosted by former MSOL President, Ofc Bernie Schipelliti of the Burlington Police Department. Ofc Schipelliti invited Atty John Sofis Scheft to speak to the members, and as always, Atty Sofis Scheft delivered! Topics that were discussed included the Witness Intimidation Notification, the Medication Take-Back event (with one event organized by the MSOL’s own Sgt Robert Bettencourt of Danvers PD), and the Minor in Possession of Alcohol Statute. Atty Sofis Scheft provided handouts to all and if you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact Ofc Jennifer Bellissimo. Atty Sofis Scheft always presents on topics that we all relate to on a regular basis, and we appreciate his yearly participation with the League!
Ofc Schipelliti also honored one of Burlington FD’s bravest on behalf of the MSOL. After much discussion by the BOD, it was decided that FF Kurt Duprez should be recognized for his actions in rescuing and protecting a child. Below is Ofc Schipelliti synopsis:
Burlington FF Kurt Duprez was awarded the September 11th Award from Middlesex County DA Gerry Leone for his efforts in bringing a suspected child molester to justice.
FF Duprez had returned home from a late summer barbeque with his family when he decided to search for an ATV that had been stolen from his Billerica home a few months earlier. Around 11pm, Duprez was ready to call it a night when he decided to check and area by the high-tension wires. It was there he spotted a vehicle parked nearby.
“As I was turning around, I spotted a car parked near the lines. I saw a head pop up from the passenger side of the vehicle,” said
Duprez.
Approaching the vehicle, Duprez said he saw a child and an older gentleman in the car. “The guy sat up and started his vehicle to drive away,” he said.
The vehicle, driven by Dennis Collins, paused for a moment after Duprez yelled
for him to stop. It was then that he saw a child look at him.
“I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up. No way would a grandfather take a kid up to the area that late at night,” Duprez said.
Duprez called 911 and identified himself as Collins sped away. While Billerica PD attempted to coordinate a stop, Duprez backed off a bit from the chase, hoping Collins would slow down. He followed Collins down Middlesex Turnpike into Burlington and through the parking lot at Lord Baron Apartments before Burlington PD stopped the vehicle on Bedford Street.
Collins was charged with a number of crimes, including five counts of Rape of a Child. In September, he pleaded guilty to charges of Child Rape, 2 counts of Indecent Assault & Batter, Enticement, Reckless Endangerment of a Child, and four counts of Contributing to the delinquency of a Minor. He was sentences to 5-7 years in state prison.
“Kurt Duprez’s courage and fast thinking allowed a dangerous child predator to be arrested, prosecuted and convicted,” Leone said. “By having the courage to intervene when his instinct told him a situation was not right, Kurt Duprez not only protected the victim but undoubtedly prevented numerous future victims of the defendant.”
“It’s a nice feeling to know that I did something to help a kid and keep a few more kids safe,” Duprez replied.
FF Kurt Duprez was at the meeting with his wife and Burlington Fire Chief Callahan. He was presented an MSOL Safety Award for his bravery. |
Ofc Schipelliti also recognized Chief Hart of Burlington. After many years of policing, Chief Hart will be retiring from the Burlington Police. Chief Hart has always been a tremendous supporter of the MSOL and we all wish him luck in his future endeavors.
During the General Meeting, Dick Towle of the FRA announced that he will be running a NEW Grade Crossing Collision Investigation Course in May. The date is still being finalized, but this 8-hour course will take place in Westfield, MA. MSOL Members are asked to bring along a colleague and the course will be provided at NO COST. Certification will be given upon completion of the course. The MSOL & FRA will be educating officers across the state on how to safely respond and investigate highway-railroad grade crossing incidents as well as enforcing trespassing laws in an effort to reduce collisions with vehicles and persons. Due to the “up-close and personal” investigation techniques, those in attendance must wear hard-soled shoes with a defined heel. Graduates from previous courses include the MSOL’s own Ofc Chris Harrington (Bolton) and Ofc Rich Giacoppo (Norwood). More information will be on the website, but please contact Dick at 617-494-2390 or
bgrtrainman1@aol.com
MSOL Member Tom Barnes has sent a message to the League that he will soon be leaving the Channing Bete Corporation. Tom has provided members with the important safety tools for our various presentations. We thank Tom for his service and wish him the best in his next adventure!
Upcoming events:
April Meeting – April 7th Registry of Motor Vehicles
**Annual Meeting/Elections
**Registrar Rachel Kaprielian
**Recognition of Wilmington Ofc Louis Martignetti
May Meeting – May 5th Incoming President’s Meeting
**Ofc. Chris Harrington – Bolton PD
June Meeting – June 2nd (tentative) Danvers
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