History of the Duxbury Police Department
In April of 2013, the West Street Station was decommissioned. The department moved into the new headquarters two weeks earlier. The Decommissioning Ceremony was attended by Duxbury Police Officers, past and present, local officials and residents. At the ceremony, the original dedication plaque that honored Chief Doyle was returned to his daughter Carolyn, followed by the flag being lowered for the final time at that facility.
On April 15, 2013, Duxbury Police Officers responded to Boston in response to the terrorist bombings of the Boston Marathon. Over the course of the next 10 days, 6 Duxbury Officers deployed to assist in the city with the suspect search, critical infrastructure security, routine patrol assistance and presidential security. It was a tragic time for our region but our officers were proud to serve in Boston’s time of need.
On Saturday June 8, 2013, the Department and town formally cut the ribbon to open the new Mayflower Street station. The ceremony was followed by an open house to allow residents and family an opportunity to see the new headquarters.
The historic events of 2013 ended in late October with the demolition of the West Street Station. It was an unceremonious end to a building that was witness to over 40 years of Duxbury Police history. As word of the demolition began to spread, officers and residents began to congregate at the site to watch and reminisce.
In December of 2013, several officers were recognized for exemplary service. Two officers received the Medal of Honor which is the highest award the Chief can bestow on his officers. Sgt. Dennis Symmonds and Canine Officer Ryan Cavicchi were issued the Medal of Honor for heroism in May of 2012 while pursuing an armed suspect into the woods who eventually attempted to ambush the two officers with gunfire. Even after the suspect fired his first shot, the two officers advanced. Eventually the suspect was taken into custody peacefully. Several others received varying degrees of award for the same incident, as well as awards for officers who deployed to Boston following the Marathon Bombings in April of 2013.