DRACUT —The Dracut Police Department is recognizing an officer and a lieutenant who are taking on personal challenges this year to raise money for charitable causes that are meaningful to them.
Officer Andreas Papafagos and Lt. Will Buote will each take on major challenges outside of their duties with the department as part of personal fundraising efforts supporting organizations that have had a significant impact on their lives.
Officer Papafagos, best known for running the Dracut Police Department’s social media accounts, will run the Boston Marathon on April 20 in support of Homes For Our Troops — an organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, helping them regain independence and rebuild their lives. Officer Papafagos previously served in the Army National Guard.
“I am running my first ever marathon in support of Homes For Our Troops because I believe deeply in honoring the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans,” Officer Papafagos said. “Taking on 26.2 miles is a personal challenge, but it is nothing compared to the challenges these heroes face every day. By pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, I hope to raise awareness and meaningful support for a cause that provides stability, dignity, and hope to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.”
A little later this year, on Aug. 1 and 2, Lt. Buote will also attempt a first as he participates in the Pan Mass Challenge, a two-day bike-a-thon that crosses Massachusetts and raises funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Lt. Buote will ride 177 miles from Worcester to Provincetown over the course of two days, with 100 percent of the proceeds from his ride going to Dana Farber.
“My journey is deeply personal — I was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2023, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has been a beacon of hope and care throughout my treatment,” said Lt. Buote. “Their dedication and compassion have surrounded me and my family during some of our toughest moments, and now I want to give back in a meaningful way.”
“I am so proud of the dedication, compassion, and character that is shown every day by the officers and supervisors of the Dracut Police Department,” said Chief Peter Bartlett. “Officer Papafagos and Lt. Buote are taking time out of their personal lives to test themselves and support those in need, and they are setting an outstanding example of community service.”
Information about Officer Papafagos’ Boston Marathon run is available here.
Information about Lt. Buote’s Pan-Mass Challenge ride is available here.
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