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 |
1921-1934
Chief Cyril Barker
