The Healey-Driscoll Administration has unveiled a new leadership duo at the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), introducing Rick Rathbun as the Executive Director and promoting Amy Fanikos to the position of Deputy Executive Director. Rathbun, who has served as a police chief and brings a three-decade tenure in law enforcement to the table, is set to advance police training initiatives and police reform mandated by the 2020 legislation.
"Rick Rathbun's extensive career in public safety, academy instruction and law enforcement accreditation make him uniquely qualified to lead the MPTC," Governor Maura Healey stated. This team's top job is to build a standardized educational curriculum for both new and seasoned police officers, manage state-of-the-art academies and fulfill police reform mandates. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll praised Rathbun's operational expertise, and expressed enthusiasm for the impact Rathbun and Fanikos will have on the MPTC's mission, as detailed in the official announcement.
Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy praised Rathbun's track record and experience in stakeholder engagement, expressing confidence that his leadership will keep the MPTC at the forefront of police training in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Amy Fanikos' appointment as Deputy Executive Director reflects her continued dedication to the MPTC, having previously managed its Basic Training Division. "I’m thrilled to continue serving alongside the dedicated MPTC team as we continuously enhance police training standards and promote excellence in law enforcement in communities across the Commonwealth," Fanikos remarked on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.
Rathbun is expected to officially commence his leadership role at the end of January, succeeding the interim Executive Director Jeff Farnsworth. Prior to joining the MPTC, Rathbun notably led the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) and was recognized with several awards throughout his career, including the 2019 Distinguished Service Award from the New England Chapter of the Gay Officers' Action League (GOAL). In contrast, Amy Fanikos has carved a career at the Harvard University Police Department before her stint with MPTC, and she holds an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School. The Municipal Police Training Committee is tasked with delivering state-of-the-art training across the Commonwealth to officers at every career stage, ensuring the highest standards are met in line with the public expectations and legislative mandates put forth by the 2020 police reform law.
