Zip Trips Comes to Arlington and Recognizes Police Chief as 'Hometown Hero'

Arlington, MA -- Boston's Fox25 news team was in Arlington on June 24th for the first stopof their annual round of Zip Trips and took a moment to recognize Police Chief Frederick Ryan as this trip's "Hometown Hero". They noted his 16 years of leadership as Police Chief and his management of the nationally recognized Arlington Outreach Initiative, which reduce the stigma and shame of addiction by pairing police with healthcare workers to reach out to those that suffer from substance abuse.

According to the Arlington town website, the "Hometown Hero" award was inscribed with the words:

"There are heroes who walk among us, never looking for glory or praise. They don't seek recognition for their thoughtful caring ways. You are a person like that. A most selfless person by far, and we want to thank you for being the hometown hero that you are."

In reflecting the spirit of that inscription, Chief Ryan sought to shine his spotlight on the work being done daily by the officers of the Arlington Police Department.

"This award is a reflection of the great work being done every day by the men and women of the Arlington Police Department, from dispatchers all the way up to the command staff," Chief Ryan said, according to the town website. "We simply listened to our community. Addiction is not a crime, and people suffering from this disease need treatment and compassion as part of a long-term recovery process."

Presented during an interview between Chief Ryan and Fox 25's Gene Lavanchy, the award was co-sponsored by Digital Federal Credit Union. Futher photos and a video of the interview can be viewed here.

Video and photo courtesy of the Arlington Police Department/Twitter