Boxford Police Dept. Promotes Three Sergeants

BOXFORD – On Tues, Oct. 10th, Boxford Chief of Police James Riter and the Boxford Select Board held a promotional pinning ceremony for the Department’s three newest Sergeants at Boxford Town Hall.
Chief Riter recommended for promotion Officers David Barker, Kurtis Anderson, and Atilio Paglia to the rank of Sergeant. The Select Board approved these recommendations in a unanimous vote. These promotions became effective Wed., Oct. 11th for an initial probationary term of six months.
When discussing Sergeants Barker and Anderson, Chief Riter stated, “(former) Lieutenant Dupont and I identified Officer David Barker and Officer Kurtis Anderson as future leaders of the Department several years ago. Over the course of the last two years, Officer Barker and Officer Anderson have utilized their knowledge and skills in police work to take on additional supervisory-level assignments within the Boxford Police Department. The Boxford Police Department’s attaining accreditation is a clear validation of their hard work. Both officers bring specific knowledge, skills, and ability to the Department. They are respected by their coworkers and it is my firm belief that they will make excellent supervisors in the Boxford Police Department.”
Regarding the promotion of Sergeant Paglia, Chief Riter stated, “I believe the Select Board would agree that Officer Paglia’s future within the department is to take on a leadership position. His extensive experience in police work and many other areas of public administration have made him a valuable asset to the community and the department.”
Select Board Chair Barbara Jessel stated, “I am proud to congratulate the Boxford Police Officers who are being promoted to Sergeant today. Thank you to each and every one of you and your families for your service and continued dedication to keeping our community safe. We wish you the best in your new leadership positions.”
Sergeant David Barker
Sergeant Barker joined the Boxford Police Department in February 2006 as a Reserve Officer, ascending to a full-time position with the Department in August 2006. He serves the Department as both the Medical Officer and Field Training Officer. Sergeant Barker is currently enrolled in the criminal justice program at Southern New Hampshire University.
Sergeant Kurtis Anderson
Sergeant Anderson joined the Boxford Police Department in 2010 as a Reserve Officer. Previously, he served as an Officer with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Department from 2014 – 2015, before joining the Boxford Police Department as a full-time Officer in 2015. Sergeant Anderson is currently the Firearms Instructor and Active Shooter Trainer for the Department. He holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice from Southern New Hampshire University and an Associate’s degree in criminal justice from North Shore Community College.
Sergeant Atilio Paglia
Sergeant Paglia joined the Boxford Police Department as a Reserve Officer in 1998. Prior to that, he served as a public safety official in Maine for the Ogunquit Police Department and York County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to his public safety experience, Sergeant Paglia has held public administration leadership roles with the Massachusetts State Senate and Sex Offender Registry Board, and served his hometown of Rowley as an elected member of the Board of Selectmen. Sergeant Paglia joined the Department in a full-time capacity in 2020. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Salem State University.