Stoneham Police Department Recognizes Officer Brian Raffaelo as Officer of the Year

STONEHAM — Police Chief James O’Connor is pleased to report that the Stoneham Police Department is recognizing Officer Brian Raffaelo as the Stoneham Police Department Officer of the Year.

Officer Raffaelo has been with the Stoneham Police Department since 2013, and previously worked for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department. He is currently assigned to the Patrol Division on the evening shift.

The Police Officer of the Year Award is meant to recognize exemplary work. It is also an opportunity to recognize and highlight the officer’s commitment to the department and the community, their strength of character, and ability to show compassion and empathy for others as well as their dedication to duty.

“All of those qualities were certainly evident as the selection committee read through the nominations for Officer Raffaelo,” said Chief O’Connor.

The Officer of the Year is selected each year by a committee comprised of members of the department. The Officer of the Year is awarded an extra day off with pay and a dedicated parking spot throughout the 2025 calendar year. 

“Your professionalism and compassion exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement. You have made a lasting impact on those you serve, building trust and fostering positive relationships within the community,” a citation presented to Officer Raffaelo states. “You lead by example, inspiring your fellow officers to pursue excellence, and your actions continue to enhance the quality of life for all. Thank you for your exceptional contributions and for setting the standard of excellence at the Stoneham Police Department.”

Detective Sgt. Christopher Dalis said Officer Raffaelo was assigned to work the dispatch desk in the police station one evening, when he learned that some Stoneham kids had set up a lemonade stand on a nearby street. Officer Raffaelo found someone to cover his assignment on the dispatch desk, found the lemonade stand, and organized other officers into taking a trip to support the local kids by buying lemonade. 

Officer Raffaelo also serves as a Field Training Officer, training newcomers to the department and taking them under his wing. 

“The one thing that really got him nominated as Officer of the Year by his peers is the fact that he comes to work with a smile on his face and can lighten the mood in any room or situation,” said Detective Sgt. Dalis. “He makes coming to work with him fun with his humor, great attitude and ability to get along with anyone. We joke that the job just isn’t as fun when he’s on a vacation day and he’s missed. He’s also the type of officer that can arrest someone and become friends with them by the time the booking process is over.”

“Officer Raffaelo has a hugely positive impact on the morale of our department, and he is an open and engaging presence in our community,” said Chief O’Connor. “I am pleased to see him recognized as our Officer of the Year. He is an excellent example of the kind of professionalism and excellence that we aspire to here at the Stoneham Police Department.”

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