Xiarhos Receives Recognitions from MCOFU, CCCC
April 29, 2024
BARNSTABLE, Mass. – State Representative Steve Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) recently received two prestigious accolades for his service on behalf of residents of the Commonwealth.
On April 26, Xiarhos was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the Cape Cod Community College Criminal Justice Program at the inaugural meeting of the program’s advisory board. The award was given to Xiarhos in recognition of his “outstanding accomplishments and contributions in the field of criminal justice.”
Xiarhos currently serves as Assistant Ranking Minority Member of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. Prior to being elected to public office, Xiarhos worked as a police officer in the Town of Yarmouth for 40 years, eventually retiring from the position of Deputy Chief of Police in 2019. He is well known in the Legislature for his work on behalf of criminal justice and first responders. One of his signature accomplishments is the passage of Nero’s Law in 2022, a law which provides emergency medical services for police dogs who sustain injuries in the line of duty.
Later the same day, Xiarhos was recognized as Representative of the Year by the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union (MCOFU).
“MCOFU is extremely proud to have the support of Representative Xiarhos for his unwavering concerns of the great men and women who work behind these dangerous prison walls,” said Dennis Martin, MCOFU President. “Rep. X is a true patriot who truly cares about the citizens of the Commonwealth, the men and women of public safety and our veterans.” MCOFU’s Legislative Representative, Kevin Flanagan, added, “Nobody fights harder for the men and women who work in our jails and prisons. Rep. X is always there to support our officers and ensure our members are well represented on Beacon Hill.”
MCOFU is a collective bargaining organization representing certain correction staff within the Department of Correction, the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction, and the Dukes County Correction Officers.
Xiarhos has made support for first responders and members of law enforcement a cornerstone of his public service. This year, Xiarhos is proud to be the sponsor of Matt’s Bill (House Bill 2422), legislation intended to help protect correction officers from violent attacks by inmates. The bill is named in honor of Correction Officer Matt Tidman, who sustained life-threatening injuries as the result of an attack by a prison inmate at MCI Shirley in 2022.
“I am exceptionally honored and gratified to receive these special recognitions,” Xiarhos said. “I am proud to be an alum of Cape Cod Community College, and to have been able to put the criminal justice education I received there to work in the community as a police officer and now as a member of the Legislature working on criminal justice policy. I am also proud to be the sponsor of Matt’s Bill this session. I want first responders and members of the law enforcement community, including correction officers, to know that I will always have their back.”
Steve Xiarhos has served as State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District on Cape Cod since 2021. The district currently includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of the Towns of Barnstable (Precincts 10, 11, and 12) and Bourne (Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5A, and 7). Xiarhos recently qualified for the ballot to seek re-election this November.
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Xiarhos Receives 2024 CONNECT Distinguished Legislator Award
April 5, 2024
BOURNE – During a special ceremony held at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay on Thursday, State Representative Steven Xiarhos received the prestigious CONNECT 2024 Distinguished Legislator Award.
“We are delighted to honor Representative Steven Xiarhos with the 2024 Distinguished Legislator Award for his remarkable dedication to public service and his impactful advocacy,” said Fred W. Clark, President, Bridgewater State University and CONNECT Board Chair. “His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to improving our public education system exemplify the values of collaboration and excellence that we hold dear at CONNECT.”
According to CONNECT, Representative Xiarhos was recognized for having consistently demonstrated his commitment to serving the public and advocating for initiatives that positively impact our communities. “His relentless efforts have significantly contributed to successful regional higher education collaborations and have championed legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of children, families, persons with disabilities, and enhancing safety in our public education system.”
CONNECT is a leading organization dedicated to promoting collaboration and innovation in legislative initiatives. It is a consortium of six public colleges and universities in Southeastern Massachusetts: Bridgewater State University, Bristol Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Massasoit Community College, and the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
The event also recognized the outstanding contributions of Representative Xiarhos’s esteemed colleagues, Senator Susan Moran and former State Representative and now Undersecretary Josh Cutler.
Steve Xiarhos is the State Representative for the Massachusetts 5th Barnstable District, which includes Sandwich and portions of the towns of Barnstable and Bourne. He is currently serving his second term as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
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Dear Friend,
The numbers just keep going up and up without end.
According to a report by the Boston Herald, Massachusetts is spending about $75 million a month on state-run shelters. Meanwhile, the state Senate voted last week to spend up to $840 million over the next two years to shelter migrants in this state – without any guarantees that even this astronomical amount will be enough.
I believe it’s unfair and unreasonable for Massachusetts to be looking to taxpayers to fund these costs to shelter and support migrants. I know first-hand that we have United States citizens right here in the district I represent who are homeless – including veterans – and who need our help and support. And yet, these families go wanting while others benefit at their expense.
So, I’ve decided to take action.
Our state Right to Shelter Law was intended to provide emergency shelter and support services to Massachusetts residents who fall on hard times and need immediate help. That’s a fine policy. But, the law never was intended to provide shelter to migrant families seeking entry and residency in this country. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it’s being used for today – and that’s wrong.
I have joined with several other legislative colleagues to file a bill to clarify that our state’s Right to Shelter Law should be used only to fund emergency services for United States Citizens. It’s time to put an end to the state’s out-of-control spending and dedicate taxpayer funds back to provide essential services to Massachusetts residents. That’s the way it’s always been, and it’s the right thing to do.
Will you please join with me in supporting this important bill? I’m collecting names of supporters to send to House leadership to encourage them to release this bill to the floor for a debate. Will you please consider adding your name to the list, and ask your friends and neighbors to sign up too? It is important to make our collective voice heard.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Steven G. Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable)
State Representative
REP. XIARHOS TESTIFIES IN SUPPORT OF “MATT’S LAW”
January 24, 2024
BOSTON, Mass. – State Representative Steve Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) was honored to testify in support of “Matt’s Law” (H.2422) before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on January 23.
According to Xiarhos, who is the lead sponsor of the legislation, “Matt’s Law” was filed in response to an attack on Corrections Officer Matt Tidman at MCI Shirley in August 2022. A convicted murderer who was incarcerated at the facility took a metal bar from a free weight in the prison gym and used it to brutally beat Tidman, who sustained extremely serious bodily injuries. The bill filed by Xiarhos would ban the use of free weights and other portable exercise equipment for use by inmates in state prisons.
Please read Rep. Xiarhos’ full press release below…
Steve Xiarhos Announces Campaign for Re-election
January 18, 2024
BARNSTABLE, Mass. — Steve Xiarhos has officially announced that he is running for re-election as State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
According to the Xiarhos Committee, the campaign will host a re-election kickoff event at the Sandwich American Legion on Tuesday, February 20 from 5-7 p.m.
In a statement announcing his re-election bid and outlining certain priorities he is working on, Xiarhos said that serving as State Representative has been “the thrill and honor of a lifetime,” and that he wants to continue using the power of his office to assist people in need. “To me, this job is and always has been about helping people,” Xiarhos said. “That’s what I enjoy doing every day, it’s part of who I am and what I believe in, and it’s what I want to continue doing on behalf of the people I represent.”
Xiarhos said that he also wants to keep pursuing his mission to make Cape Cod a more affordable and safer place to live and work, and to make government more accountable to the people it serves.
This session, Xiarhos has been outspoken in his opposition to state policies for housing migrant families and, in particular, the enormous expenses being imposed on taxpayers that have resulted from those poor policy decisions. He is the co-sponsor of legislation to reform the state’s Right to Shelter Law to limit its applicability to U.S. citizens, as he claims it was originally intended. He also has been a vocal opponent of measures to rewrite state firearms laws, calling instead for improved enforcement of existing laws to help keep the public safe from violent crime. And, as a Gold Star Father and former Deputy Chief of Police, he has maintained his strong and steady advocacy for men and women in uniform, our nation’s veterans, and the state’s first responder community.
Xiarhos said his service on the House Ways and Means Committee this session has provided him with valuable insight concerning the budget process and the financial workings of state government. “I take my duty to be a responsible steward of taxpayer funds very seriously,” Xiarhos said. “I want a state government people can be proud of. Especially during these tough economic times, I see it as my role to make sure that every dollar we spend is spent wisely and frugally, invested with an eye not just to fulfilling our current needs but also toward satisfying our future well-being. That means keeping taxes low, looking for ways to streamline the way the state operates, and always being completely transparent with the taxpayers we represent. It also means supporting affordable housing, small businesses and job creation to help working families thrive.”
“I also want Massachusetts to be a safe place for everyone,” Xiarhos said. “That’s why I have introduced a number of measures to increase the penalties for certain crimes, especially crimes against vulnerable people, and to enhance the penalties for those who sell illegal drugs on our streets. As a former school resource officer, I am also focused on making our schools safe for students and teachers. And, of course, as someone who worked in law enforcement for four decades before running for office, I am passionate about supporting our Commonwealth’s first responders and their mission. Last session we were honored to pass Nero’s Bill — with bipartisan support — as a lasting tribute to my friend and colleague, fallen Yarmouth Police K9 Sgt. Sean Gannon. This session we’re working on Dakota’s Law as a follow-on measure to help provide ongoing care and support for retired police dogs in their later years. We’re going to get the job done.”
In addition to these priorities, Xiarhos says he wants to continue working to see the Cape Cod Canal bridges rebuilt quickly and affordably, and that he looks forward to furthering his support for public education and protecting the environment on Cape Cod. “As Cape Codders, we are blessed to live in one of the greatest places on Earth. We share a responsibility and commitment to keep it that way, and I’m passionate about doing my part to pass along these blessings and more to our future generations,” Xiarhos said.
About Steve Xiarhos
Steve Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) was elected to serve as State Representative on November 3, 2020 and was sworn into office on January 6, 2021. He is currently serving his second term of office.
This session, Steve is proud to continue serving as the Assistant Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, working hard to make Cape Cod a safer place to live and work. He is additionally gratified to continue service as the Ranking Minority Member on the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, working to promote the interests of citizens who served in uniform. New this session, Steve serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, helping to set state fiscal policy, including in particular the annual state budget. And, he serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, fighting hard to win the war against opioids and to provide appropriate services to those who need them.
Currently, Steve lives in Barnstable with his fiancee, Denise L. Kalbach, who is a Family Nurse Practitioner. Steve is also a proud parent of four children. He is a Gold Star Father, in honor of his oldest son, Nicholas. Nick Xiarhos died at age 21 on the battlefield during Operation Enduring Freedom. He perished while going to the rescue of fellow Marines in combat as part of ‘Operation Strike of the Sword’ in the Garmsir district of Helmand Province Afghanistan on July 23, 2009. Steve’s other son, Alexander, serves as a School Resource Officer for the Yarmouth Police Department. Steve’s identical twin daughters, Elizabeth and Ashlynne, serve in the hospitality industry.
Steve is the grandson of Greek immigrants and he’s a devoted, lifelong American Patriot. He is the son and grandson of United States Army, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Veterans. As a Gold Star Father and given his patriotic background, he has a strong desire to serve our country and assist and support the men and women of America’s armed forces, first responders, veterans and military families. He is perhaps best known for founding Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen, the largest annual charitable motorcycle ride on Cape Cod, in memory of Nicholas and all of those with ties to the Cape and Islands who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Steve also hosts the largest blood drive on the Cape and Islands for Cape Cod Healthcare in honor of Nicholas every February on his birthday. He also has successfully initiated and coordinated many other community fundraising and awareness events including the YPD BLUE 5K Run for a Reason and the First Responder Appreciation Freedom Ride.
Steve was born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts. In the summer of 1979, he found work as a seasonal Summer Reserve Police Officer, patrolling the town’s beaches during tourist season. One day, he received a call from the town, saying that he was being hired to be a full-time Patrol Officer. He accepted, beginning a 40-year career with the Yarmouth Police Department. During those four decades of service, Steve was promoted to the ranks of Detective, School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant, Patrol Force Commander, Detective Division Commander, and eventually Deputy Chief of Police. He retired from the police department on December 8, 2019.
Steve is a graduate of Anna Maria College, Northeastern University, and Cape Cod Community College (where he majored in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement). 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.
Alongside his other work within the community, Steve is proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, a volunteer organization which helps to build affordable housing for Cape Cod families. Steve also serves as an Ambassador for Independence House, Inc., which is Hyannis-based counseling and advocacy center to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence. He has been the recipient of several honorary recognitions in recent years, including being named Cape Cod Times’ Person of the Year, Sandwich Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year, Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Citizen of the Year, the New England Police Benevolent Association Legislator of the Year, and the American Kennel Club Legislator of the Year.
Steve also participated in and completed numerous road races including the Marine Corps and Boston Marathons as well as the Marine Corps Honor Run, the Falmouth Road Race, Boston Firefighters 10K, the Boston Run to Remember, the Marine Corps Marathon 10K, the Sandwich Annual Thanksgiving 5K, Sandwich Annual First Day 5K, and the Cape Cod Athletic Club Annual Grand Prix.
About the 5th Barnstable District
The 5th Barnstable District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives spans portions of several Cape Cod communities, as follows:
• Barnstable (Precincts 10, 11, and 12 only)
• Bourne (Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5A, and 7 only)
• Sandwich
