Page 11 - FE Blue Spring 2019

MSP News
MSP News
The State Police Drone Unit, part of the Division of
Homeland Security, provided critical assistance to
Boston Police and the Federal Aviation Administration and Electric Blue stood
in the investigation into a drone that violated an FAA
flight restriction over Fenway Park during a Red
Sox game in April. Troopers identified a Boston man
as the owner of the drone that was flown over the
stadium. Further investigation with Boston Police led
to the determination that the owner’s son, a teenage
boy, is believed to have been flying the drone on the
night in question. The investigation into this incident
underscores the MSP’s recognition of the potential
use of unmanned aerial vehicles for nefarious
purposes and its commitment to technology and
trainng to counter that potential threat.
* * * * * *
On April 10, Troop B’s C-3 Policing Team, assisted
by several other MSP units as well as Springfield
and Holyoke Police, executed two simultaneous
warrants and arrested a Holyoke man for large-scale
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) fraud. The arrest
followed a nearly year-long investigation by MSP
and the Department of Transitional Assistance into
the defendant’s scheme to buy food using multiple
fraudulently-obtained EBT cards, in violation of
legitimate use of the EBT program. The defendant
would then allegedly use the food purchased
fraudulently to prepare meals at a Holyoke restruant
owned by his wife. In all, the investigation suggests
that the target used the fraudulently-obtained cards
to purchase tens of thousands of dollars of food
supplies. The investigation is continuing and further
law enforcement action is possible.
* * * * * *
The Crime Gun Unit and several other MSP units as-
sisted federal agents in an investigation into Primeiro
Comando da Massachusetts, a violent street gang
involved with drug and firearms trafficking, robberies
and kidnappings. The investigation resulted in the
seizure of nearly 30 guns and hundreds of rounds of
ammunition and charges against 14 suspects.
* * * * * *
Hundreds of MSP personnel worked diligently to
provide security for this year’s Boston Marathon,
the 123rd running of the iconic road race. From Field
Troopers to DIS investigators to EODs and numerous
Spring 2019
other tactical units,
members of the French
tall once again from
Hopkinton Boston.
The logistics of the
Marathon operation is
a masterpiece of police
planning, as months of
work go into ensuring
that come race day,
everything possible is
done to maximize the
safety of the runners
and spectators.
* * * * * *
On Friday, April 19, 2019, Trooper Richard F. Zucco
retired from the Massachusetts State Police -- almost
48 years and 7 months after he began his state law
enforcement career. Trooper Zucco,
who was recently awareded Badge
#1 as the Trooper with the longest
tenure on teh Department, began
his employment as a Massachusetts
Registry of Motor Vehicles Police
Officer. For the next 22 years, Offi-
cer Zucco served honorably as part
of the law enforcement agency that
specialized in motor vehicle law and crash investiga-
tion. In 1992, when the Registry Police, along with the
Metropolitan District Commission Police and the Capi-
tal Police, were merged into the larger Massachusetts
State Police, Richard Zucco became a State Trooper.
He was assigned for several years to the State Police
Academy as an instructor, and subsequently served
in MSP Barracks in Lee and Westfield. As testimony
to the immense regard in which his MSP brothers and
sisters hold Trooper Zucco, numerous members of
Troop B -- including Troop B commanding officer Ma-
jor Michael Habel and executive officer Capt. James
Penniman, and dozens of Lieutenants, Sergeants
and Troopers – attended his Badge #1 presentation.
Trooper Zucco’s wife, and his son and daughter, both
of whom are local police officers, also were in atten-
dance. Trooper Zucco, you served with honor and
integrity for a half-century. We wish you a long, happy,
and healthy retirement. You have earned it.
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