Tewksbury Police Department History Page
In 1734 the Board of Selectmen appointed Edmond Frost to be the first Constable in Town. At that time, Tewksbury was under British rule, as were the rest of the Colonies. His principal duties were to post warrants, collect the taxes, “run undesirables out of town”, make minor arrests, and to place offenders in the stocks. At that time the majority of police work was done by the military.
The Town of Tewksbury, which was established in 1734 did not have its first Police Officer until 1886, according to Town records. In 1886 there is a listed police officer, but no formal police department. The Officer listed is James Manley. The records indicate that Officer Manley worked as the only Police Officer in Town from 1886-1893 and was the first Police Chief for the Town of Tewksbury. Manley is listed on town reports as a police officer until 1907.
Tewksbury Police Chiefs
| Name and Title | Years Served |
|---|---|
| 1st Police Chief James Manley | 1902-1907 |
| 2nd Police Chief Frank Farmer | 1915-1920 |
| 3rd Police Chief Anthony Kelley | 1921-1934 |
| 4th Police Chief Cyril Barker | 1934-1952 |
| 5th Police Chief John Sullivan | 1953-1987 |
| 6th Police Chief John Mackey | 1988-2003 |
| 7th Police Chief Alfred Donovan | 2004-2009 |
| 8th Police Chief Timothy Sheehan | 2010-2019 |
| 9th Police Chief Ryan Columbus | 2020 – present |
James Manley
1902-1907
Frank Farmer
1915-1920
Anthony Kelley
1921-1934
Cyril Barker
1934-1952
John Sullivan
1953-1987
John Mackey
1988-2003
Alfred Donovan
2004-2009
Timothy Sheehan
2010-2019
Ryan Columbus
2020 – present
Chief Cyril Barker
George Gale was a descendant of John J. and Virginia Gale, who fled the South around 1868 to find a better life. The Gale family was one of the first families of Tewksbury, and the first family of color known to live in town.
George Gale joined the Tewksbury Police Department in 1942, and retired in 1958.
George Gale was mentioned in a 1945 police publication which contains a photograph of him in uniform. The publication states, “George Gale of Main Street is the night clerk at the office in the Town Hall. He is a member of one of the first families in town. His father, John came north immediately after the Civil War in 1868. George has been on duty only three years but is considered an old standby. He is kind, courteous, and faithful.”
“We not only honor our brother Police Officer George Gale, but also his entire family for their service to the community of Tewksbury and our entire country.” – Chief Columbus
