Gloucester Police Recognize Officer James P. Officer for Extraordinary Service During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

GLOUCESTER — The Gloucester Police Department proudly recognizes Officer James P. Officer Jr., Badge #1, for his extraordinary service on National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. 

Officer Officer began serving Gloucester in 1988, and has spent a significant portion of his career serving as a 911/Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and training new hires to dispatch as well. 

His legacy of coordinating emergency responses and protecting lives on a daily basis, and training others to do the same, has made a significant impact on public safety in the City of Gloucester. 

“For nearly four decades, he has been a steady and trusted voice behind the scenes — often the first point of contact in someone’s worst moment,” said Interim Chief Michael Williams. “His ability to remain calm under pressure, make critical decisions, and guide both callers and officers has directly contributed to saving lives and ensuring the safety of our residents.”

In addition to serving as the Department’s 911/Emergency Medical Dispatch operator, guiding emergency responses during critical incidents and providing life-saving instructions to callers, Officer Officer has also served on patrol, made arrests, and investigated motor vehicle incidents. 

Prior to taking an oath and joining Gloucester Police, he also worked for the Essex Police Department, Rockport Ambulance as an EMT, and as a Reserve Officer in Wenham, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to public safety.  

Officer Officer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Western New England College.

He maintains numerous advanced certifications in emergency communications, including from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Next Generation 911 (NG911), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Incident Command System. He has been recognized for excellence in dispatching. 

“As the officer who wears Badge #1, Jim carries not only a number, but a legacy of service, professionalism and commitment to the citizens of Gloucester,” said Interim Chief Williams. “In addition to his operational excellence, Jim has taken on the responsibility of mentoring and training new dispatchers, passing along his knowledge and setting the standard for those who follow.”

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Gloucester Police Department recognizes that while the public may not always see the work that is done inside the department’s E911 Dispatch Center, professionals like Officer Officer are absolutely essential to everything the department does. 

“His dedication, experience and leadership are invaluable to this department, to our other dispatchers, and to the City of Gloucester,” said Interim Chief Williams. “We are proud to honor him and thank him for his continued service.”