Detective Named Officer of the Year

Detective Chad M. Howard was recognized last night before the Board of Selectmen as the Natick Police Department Officer of the Year.

Generally speaking, the officers in the Natick Police Department go about doing their job and protecting the people of Natick in a quiet way without ever receiving much credit. But last night, before the Board of Selectmen, one member of the Natick Police Department wasn't able to go unnoticed, as Detective Chad M. Howard was honored as the Natick Police Department Officer of the Year for the year 2013. "Detective Howard is a thorough and proactive investigator who employs methods and techniques available in ways not previously considered," Natick Chief of Police James Hicks said. Hicks also spoke about things other than Howard simply being good at professional skills. He talked about how Howard, who has been with the department since 2005…

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Teen Substance Use in Spring Subject of Conversation that Matters

Natick Together for Youth sponsored the third in a series of Conversations that Matter last night.

With prom and graduation season upon us, Natick Together for Youth sponsored their third in a series of Conversations that Matter last night in the Natick High School library, this one focusing on helping your children making good choices and social host laws. The event, organized by Karen Fossett, the Coordinator of Conversations that Matter, featured an expert panel made up of Natick Police Chief James Hicks, Natick Public Schools Prevention Specialist and NTY Director Erica Dinerman, criminal defense attorney Shelley Joseph and Jean Whitney, who runs the after prom party. Each member of the panel used the experience they've gained through their careers, as well as by being parents themselves, to give insight into ways to discourage …

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'Conversation that Matters' is Monday at High School

Natick Together for Youth will host an event that will discuss social host laws and teach prevention strategies.

Natick Together for Youth will host a 'Conversation that Matters' on Monday, April 29, from 7-9 p.m. in the Natick High School cafeteria, according to their Facebook Page. Natick Police Chief James Hicks will be at the event, where parents can learn about social host laws and some substance prevention strategies. Parents will also learn about prom and graduation season, as well as the After Prom Party, which is strongly encouraged for students to attend. Visit this link to register for thsi event. More information is also available at NTY's website.

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Chief Hicks, Sheriff Koutoujian Donate Blood in Natick

The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Natick Community-Senior Center on Tuesday.

The following information was provided by the Middlesex Sheriff's office: Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian visited the Natick Community-Senior Center Tuesday alongside Natick Police Chief James Hicks to donate blood at the American Red Cross community blood drive. The Sheriff and Chief also sought to highlight President Obama’s designation of March as Red Cross Month. To find out more about the American Red Cross please visit redcross.org. Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our newsletter

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It's Official: Selectmen Approve New Police Officer

Lifelong Natick resident Sean Taylor will start at the Police Academy on March 11.

As expected, the Board of Selectmen appointed Sean Taylor as the newest member of the Natick Police Department at last night's meeting. After Chief of Police James Hicks told the Selectmen about Taylor's background and the type of recommendations he had received from previous employers, it was a fairly quick unanimous vote to appoint him to the department full-time. Taylor, after thanking the Selectmen and Chief Hicks, was ecstatic afterwards. "I've grown up in Natick," he said. "I always wanted to be a police officer. It's absolutely a dream of mine, especially in my hometown. "I've reached my goal. It's a great feeling."

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Police Notes

VIDEO: Families Pin Badges on Promoted Officers

Officers Allan Graham and John Doherty Jr. were promoted to sergeants and Sgt. Cara Rossi Cafarelli was promoted to lieutenant at a ceremony Monday night at the Natick Police Department.

Officers Allan Graham and John Doherty Jr. were promoted to sergeants and Sgt. Cara Rossi Cafarelli was promoted to lieutenant at a ceremony Monday night at the Natick Police Department.

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Board of Selectmen Notes

9 Things You Missed at the Selectmen's Meeting

Catch up on what happened at the Board of Selectmen meeting Monday night at Town Hall.

1. The board of selectmen approved police chief James Hicks' decision to promote Sgt. Cara Rossi Cafarelli to lieutenant. 2. The Natick Police Department welcomed two new officers at the board of selectmen meeting Monday night. Christopher J. Dimodica, an officer of the Malden Police Department since 2008. Dimodica, a current Framingham resident who graduated from Natick High School, said he looks forward to moving his family to his hometown. Officer Michael S. Mabardy was also welcomed to the Natick police force. A Nantucket police officer since 2004, Mabardy grew up in Natick and also graduated from Natick High School. 3. The selectmen approved the transfer of a common victualer's license from Corrado's to L.I.M. Inc. Corrado's subs has …

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Alissa Letkowski

10:29 am on Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Our pleasure!   more ›

Hicks Calls Natick Chief Seat His 'Biggest Pride'

New police chief James Hicks reflects on his time in Natick and shares goals for the future.

When police chief James Hicks was in college, he pictured himself leaning over a dentist’s chair working on patients. But years later, it’s a different career and his new job at the Natick Police Department that has got him smiling. “I come in everyday with a smile, I leave everyday with a smile and look forward to the next day,” said Hicks, who was sworn into his new position in March, replacing retiring chief Nicholas Mabardy.  Hicks, who lives in Framingham, worked his way up from campus police to Bedford police chief before taking over in Natick. “This is my biggest pride and accomplishment, being in this position here,” said Hicks, who was in a pool of 66 candidates, before being narrowed down from the final four by the board of …

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Police Notes

Video: Natick Remembers Peace Officers of the Past

The Natick Police Department hosted the 11th annual Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony Wednesday morning.

The Natick Police Department gathered with friends, family and town officials and officers from neighboring towns on the front lawn of the station Wednesday morning to honor the 61 deceased officers of Natick’s past at the 11th annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony. “Sometimes we get caught up in the business of our lives and take what these officers do for granted, just assuming that we are safe,” said newly appointed selectman Nicholas Marbardy, who left his post as chief of police earlier this year. “Although this is the ultimate compliment for a police department, we should not fail to remember the effort that is behind this sense of security.” “This is important for me to come out here today and honor the special contributions that…

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VIDEO: Natick Swears in New Police Chief

Natick welcomed new police chief James Hicks in a swearing-in ceremony and meet and greet Friday.

The Natick Police chief badge changed hands Friday as interim chief Nicholas Mabardy left the department after 42 years to make way for a new chief, James Hicks. Natick residents, families, friends and colleages filled the Lebowitz meeting room of the Morse Institute library to watch the historic event unfold. Hicks did not address the crowd with notecards, instead saying he would rather speak from the heart. "I have a lot to live up to and I promise I will. Thank you for the opportunity," he said addressing the police chief screening committee and the Board of Selectmen, which ultimately chose him from the final four candidates for the spot. "You're never going to get anything lesss than 110 percent from me—I don't know any other way." …

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