Chief Frazier, Retiring, Looks Forward to Time off and Reflects on Accomplishments

Police Chief Paul Frazier, a Braintree native who graduated from BHS in 1973, will stay in town after he retires this summer, take care of his parents and "relax for a bit" before moving on, possibly to consulting work.

Following last week, Frazier looked back on his career and also noted that he has no definite plans yet for his future. 

Frazier's retirement will be effective August 3. He was first appointed to the department in 1980, became chief in 1993 and was re-appointed by Sullivan in 2010. 

"With the help of the officers and civilians that work for the Braintree Police Department, we have accomplished quite a bit for our community," Frazier said in an email.

After serving the department for more than three decades, Frazier said he has had many proud moments and accomplishments, including establishing the Motorcycle Unit, getting the after years of effort, and putting together four years of Police Academy 02184.

"That in itself was one of the finest initiatives we put together," Frazier said of the academy. "I came up with the idea, but it was Officer Rich Clifford’s grant writing ability and organizational skills that made it happen. It was also because our officers embraced the effort and participated in the program." 

Frazier earned the American Legion's “Medal of Valor” early in his career after apprehending an armed felon during a shooting incident. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1987, then Lieutenant three years later, going on to lead the Detective Division and working with the South Shore Drug Task Force.

In 1993, he was appointed Police Chief and served as the President of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association in 2005.

Under Frazier and Superintendent Dr. Peter Kurzberg's leadership, the department established the first resource officers.

"It’s hard for me to take any credit for that," Frazier said. "We have it because our School Resource Officers Mary Toomey and Lisa Fahey have worked so well with the likes of Dave Swanton and the principals at our middle and elementary schools."

Frazier has also been honored for his efforts with the Jimmy Fund, having participated in 10 Pan Mass Challenges. In 2001, he was presented with the Hector J. Pelletier Award for outstanding service and in 2008 the Ken Coleman Extra Mile Award.

The transition from Frazier to a new chief will take place by mayoral appointment, but for now the town should focus on honoring Frazier's career, Chief of Staff and Operations Peter Morin said.

"He will be missed and difficult to replace," he said.

"Chief Frazier has been part of the department for over three decades and he has left his imprint on the police department," Morin continued. "He has made positive and responsible changes that have improved the department and the safety of Braintree... His work will live on far after his departure, through the individuals he appointed, trained and inspired."