Officer Tougas Receives Community Hero Award

We are very proud to announce that Duxbury Police Officer James Tougas received the 2016 FACTS Community Hero Award at the annual Prevention of Underage Drinking and Substance Use Disorder conference. The conference was held on September 28, 2016 in Randolph. This conference was sponsored by South Shore Health System's Youth Health Connection Program. 

Officer Tougas is a member of the Duxbury Police Departments Crisis Intervention Team. This team of Officers primary focus is helping individuals and their families with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. 

Officer Tougas was nominated for this award by Jennifer Bylo, who is a member of Duxbury FACTS.  The following includes excerpts from Ms. Bylo's nomination letter.

    "Jimmy has been unbelievable all year, attending probably 3-5 support groups EVERY WEEK to be sure he stays connected to the resources available for the families he runs into each week.Families who are grieving after a fatal overdose, families who have children in prison, who are homeless, or who are home but probably should not be….families who have children in treatment or looking for treatment options.  He is a first line responder who can give timely and relevant recommendations because of the time he spends engaging with so many different groups. " 

    "He truly has found his “passion” and he is an inspiration to all of us who attend these meetings. Every time a new family arrives at one of the meetings, they are so impressed to see a police officer….a very unlikely “regular”.  He is there to simply “listen, learn and support”…..that is always his own personal introduction. "  

    "There are no effective groups without effective leadership, and Jimmy has demonstrated real leadership here in Duxbury."