“I would like to praise Senator Ryan Fattman and others who have called for more deliberate consideration of S.2800, the MA Senate’s so-called Police Reform Bill, in recent days. As a former Deputy Chief of Police and someone who has trained cops, I fully support more training for officers. I strongly condemn police brutality and the application of force on the basis of racial or other bias. Such tactics are wrong and have no place. Some reforms are needed and overdue. However, I also have a deep and abiding respect for the men and women who wear the badge every day and risk their lives to protect the public. That respect was earned by working alongside exemplary public servants every day for four decades. As we contemplate needed reforms, we must be careful not to undermine those who protect and serve us every day. Our public safety depends on it. I adamantly condemn racism and hate wherever they exist. But I also proudly Back the Blue.”

Steven Xiarhos is a resident of Barnstable and a Republican candidate for state representative in the Fifth Barnstable District (Sandwich, Barnstable Pcts. 11 & 12, Bourne Pcts. 1, 2 & 7, and Plymouth Pct. 9).

Steve spent forty years serving the people of Cape Cod as a member of the Yarmouth Police Department, retiring in late 2019 from the position of Deputy Chief of Police. Throughout his career, Steve attended numerous specialized training courses and is a graduate of the Babson College Command Training Course and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar. He is the recipient of 22 various police department awards and decorations including Officer of the Year,  Yarmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year,  Rotary Club of Yarmouth Vocational Service Award, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Officer of the Year, and the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission Rosenthal Award.

Steve also remains active in many charitable and civic causes. This includes, but is not limited to, the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund (which was created in memory of Steve’s son, Nick, who was a Marine killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2009). Currently, Steve serves on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund and the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation; as well as a Volunteer for Wounded Warrior Project Cape Cod Soldier Ride.

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