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Officer Thomas Vitale Named 
August Employee of the Month
 

On July 7, 2003 , at approximately 0955 hrs Officer Vitale responded to a report of a larceny of 2-ten milliliter bottles of Ketamine, known to produce the illegal club-drug  “Special K.” The two bottles were stolen from an unlocked drug cabinet at the Natick Animal Clinic. After an extensive investigation, including interviewing several witnesses, Officer Vitale prepared a detailed preliminary report which was forwarded to the detective division. As a result, the suspect confessed to Sergeant Steven Pagliarulo at police headquarters and provided a written confession to the crime for possession of class “A” controlled substance. 

On July 12, 2003 , at approx. 1206 Officer Vitale responded to a report of a past breaking an entering at 48 Fisher Street . A complaint filed by a real estate broker revealed that this particular house which had been vacant for about two weeks was the scene of a past party as there were empty beer bottles strewn about the interior and evidence of cooked food in the kitchen. Officer Vitale determined that entrance was gained via the rear kitchen window as the screen was dislodged and lying on the ground and there were several logs strategically placed to assist in climbing inside. 

Officer Vitale conducted an interview of a neighbor who was familiar with the previous owners and developed information of several names that were acquaintances of the previous owner’s son. With this information, he was able to determine that the previous owner’s son had been staying with a friend in the area and had not moved out of state with the parents. The officer interviewed this person and developed additional names of two suspects. As a result, he was able to determine that two subjects, friends of the previous owner’s son, had in fact broken into the house and came back later in the evening to hold a party with friends. Complaints will be filed in this matter and an assessment of damages will be made by the real estate broker with restitution sought.

On July 25, 2003 , at approximately 1834. Officer Vitale was on a paid detail at the Natick Mall when he was approached by mall security indicating that they received a report of a subject displaying a handgun to a group of youths. Officer Vitale and security proceeded to the top of “C” Deck where security officer Jesse Blouin pointed out the suspect. Officer Vitale approached the subject and advised him to stop as he was slowly walking away and had his right hand in his pocket. Officer Vitale advised he had a report that he was in possession of a firearm. The suspect denied same and simultaneously placed his left hand into his pocket. The officer then ordered him not to move and to keep his hands still. Shortly thereafter, Officer Vitale was joined by Officer Richardson. 

As Officer Vitale patted down the suspect he felt a barrel of a handgun. The suspect, however, was holding the other end. Officer Vitale communicated this to Officer Richardson who immediately handcuffed the suspect. The weapon in turn fell to the bottom of the suspects pants. A S&W 9mm semi-auto pistol with a magazine was confiscated. No ammunition was located.  Suspect subsequently placed under arrest for unlicensed possession of a firearm. Officer Vitale went above and beyond what was necessary and demonstrated how a thorough and complete investigation yields outstanding results.

For these several acts of outstanding police work, Officer Thomas Vitale is hereby commended and named Employee of the Month for August 2003. 

Dennis R. Mannix
Chief of Police