Timeline of Canton Police Department History

1875

The Canton Police Department was officially formed. The department was comprised of four men; D. McPherson, Rufus C. Wood, E.E. Seymour, and Chas. Fisher. These men worked limited hours.

1886

Edward P. Murphy was used for the first “special detective duty.” His services were used this one time to investigate a case since there was no formal Detective Bureau established within the Police Department.

1890

Canton had two full-time officers. Neither one was designated Chief. Each was compensated equally. They were residents, John Plunkett and Thomas Kennally.

1900

The first Chief of Police was appointed. The position went to John F. Plunkett. He would remain the Chief of Police for eleven years (1900 to 1911). Plunkett was the individual who was responsible for really establishing the police department. He was known for his determination to enforce the law coupled with his fairness and kindness.

1916

The Town voted to put the Department under Civil Service.

1917

The Police Department purchased its first police cruiser. It was a second-hand Ford sedan which was kept at the Central Fire Station (this is also where the police “lock-up” was located).

1923

The Town Selectman adopted Traffic Rules and Regulations as a result of the increase in motor vehicle usage by residents. Citizens were willing to cooperate.

1928

Officer William L. Whitty was appointed to the Canton Police Department as the first Motorcycle Officer. Chief John H. Flood continued making requests to the Town for a more suitable headquarters and place of detention. Conditions were so bad in lock-up that prisoners had to be transported to Stoughton for holding. This was the direct result of the State Health Board prohibiting the Canton Police Department from using their current lock-up area.

1931

The new police station was completed on Revere Street without ceremony on July 18, 1931. At the time, the Town and the officers felt that the new station was modern in every aspect. For a town of its size, it was the best built and laid out station in Massachusetts. Every convenience was provided for prisoners, officers, and visitors.

1954

The Town appointed its first two Sergeants, Daniel C. Keleher and Jeremiah T. Kelleher. This year marked the busiest in the history of the Department. Court appearances were almost a daily affair for officers.

1956

This year saw an increase in the construction of new highways, an increase in the town’s population, and an increase in the number of vehicles registered to residents in town. Chief Arthur V. Galligan made several proposals to the Town for traffic lights to be installed at some major intersections. Requests were granted.

1960

George E Berteletti was the first officer in the history of the Department to ever receive a college degree.

1964

Sergeant Daniel C. Keleher was appointed as the first Deputy Chief.

1966

This year it was mandatory for all new officers to attend a full-time police academy for training.

1971

The Department formed its first official Detective Bureau. Officer Neil R. Lerner, Officer John F. Ruane, Jr. and Officer Vincent M. Rafferty were the first three selected to run the Detective’s Bureau. The Town approved the construction of a new police station. The Town also voted to accept the Quinn Bill which provided a financial incentive for the further education of police officers.

1974

The Police Department moved into its new building on Revere Street in March. Half of the building housed the Police Department while the other half was home to the Fire Department. This would be home for the Police Department until 2004 when a new and improved Police Station was built on Washington Street.

1978

The Town of Canton saw its first female police officer with the appointment of Elizabeth A. Galvin. She attended the Fall River Police Academy.

1981

The Selectman created the position of Lieutenant. The first appointees were Sergeant John F. Ruane, Jr. and William J. Lenhart.

1993

All of the cruisers had the mobile data terminals installed in them.

1994

The Department was trained in the utilization of the E-911 System.

1995

Two video cameras and recorders were purchased and installed in two cruisers.

2004

The new Police Station was opened in May. The old Elliot School located at 1492 Washington Street became the new site for the Department. A Grand Celebration / Open House was hosted in October. A lot of residents, including a large number of retired officers, were on hand for the full day of celebration.