Statement of Steven Xiarhos Opposing Mass Release of Certain Inmates and Detainees

March 31, 2020

BARNSTABLE – Steven Xiarhos, who is a Republican candidate for state Representative in the 5th Barnstable District and a former Deputy Police Chief in the town of Yarmouth, issued the following statement today in opposition to a bid by criminal defense attorneys to encourage the mass release of certain inmates and pretrial detainees during the COVID-19 outbreak:–

“I am proud to stand with the majority of our state’s sheriffs and district attorneys in opposition to a proposal being heard by the Supreme Judicial Court which would permit the widespread release of certain inmates and detainees during the COVID-19 outbreak. Concerns for public safety and public health shouldn’t be mutually-exclusive.

“There are lots of ways people can help fight COVID-19. Respect social distancing guidelines. Stay home if you can. Wash your hands frequently. Check on neighbors and the elderly. Patronize small businesses and local restaurants. Support needy veterans. Help students adjusting to at-home learning. Donate blood. But, whatever you do, don’t release dangerous criminals back on our streets.”

About Steven Xiarhos

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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