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The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) and NEPBA Local 911, representing Worcester’s police officers, are proud to announce our official endorsements for the upcoming municipal elections in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Our endorsed candidates have consistently demonstrated their support for law enforcement, public safety, and the residents of Worcester. Their leadership, vision, and commitment to collaboration make them the right choice to move our city forward.

✅ Endorsed Candidates

Mayor

• Joe Petty

City Council At-Large

• Kate Toomey

• Donna Colorio

• Moe Bergman

• Gary Rosen

• Dr. Satya Mitra

District Councilors

• Tony Economou — District 1

• Candy Mero-Carlson — District 2

• Robert Pezzella — District 3

• Jose Rivera — District 5

“These candidates have proven themselves to be steadfast partners to Worcester’s public safety community. They understand the challenges our officers face and the importance of ensuring that our city remains safe and thriving for all who live, work, and visit here. We look forward to continuing to work together on behalf of Worcester’s residents.”

— Tom Turco, Executive Director, NEPBA

“Worcester’s police officers, NEPBA Local 911 is proud to stand in strong support behind this slate of candidates. Public safety is the foundation of any thriving community. The men and women of the WPD serve day and night to protect our neighborhoods, families and businesses. These candidates will play a vital role in ensuring our officers have the tools, resources and support they need to do their jobs both effectively and safety. It is imperative to elect candidates who are willing to work side by side with local law enforcement. These individuals have demonstrated time and time again that they value both our officers and our community. We encourage all Worcester voters to make their voices heard on Election Day.”

— Tom Duffy, President, NEPBA Local 911

Important Voting Information for Worcester Voters

• Early In-Person Voting: October 25 – 31, 2025

• Voter Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 25, 2025

• Vote-by-Mail Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Not sure where your polling location is?
👉 Click here to find your polling place

Together, let’s support leadership that values public safety and community partnership.

Chelmsford, MA — The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) proudly announces the appointment of Philip C. Matthews and Attorney Thomas M. “Tom” Kelley as its newest Representatives. With decades of union leadership, frontline law enforcement service, and deep legal expertise, both bring unmatched strength and commitment to advancing NEPBA’s mission of protecting and representing law enforcement professionals across New England.

Philip C. Matthews: Veteran Union Leader

Philip C. Matthews retired in 2022 after a distinguished career in labor relations and corrections. Over more than 30 years, he has served in key leadership roles including Business Agent for the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union (2018–2021), Chief Steward at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center (2015–2018), and as a longtime Steward at MCI-Concord and within the Teamsters Local 25 in Boston.

In addition, Matthews was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to the Massachusetts Division of Labor Relations Advisory Council (2019–2021), providing critical insight on labor policy. He is also a graduate of the Labor Guild School of Labor Relations (2013–2018), completing advanced training in arbitration, collective bargaining, and public sector labor law.

Philip can be reached directly at PMatthews@nepba.org.

Attorney Thomas M. “Tom” Kelley: Legal Advocate & Decorated Officer

Attorney Tom Kelley is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran and former Plymouth Police Officer, where his service was recognized with two Massachusetts Police Association Medals of Valor, a Platinum Award from Massachusetts COP, and a Life-Saving Award from the Plymouth Police Department. He also served as President of the Plymouth Police Union, as well as a Corrections Officer and Deputy Sheriff in Plymouth County.

Kelley went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Massachusetts School of Law, along with advanced degrees in Criminal Justice from Curry College. Today, he practices law with a focus on Labor Law, Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, and Veterans Affairs, and is accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to represent veterans in disability and pension claims.

Tom can be reached directly at TKelley@nepba.org.

“The addition of both Philip and Tom to our team marks a significant moment for NEPBA,” said Christopher Ryan, President of NEPBA. “Phillip’s decades of union leadership, combined with Tom’s unique blend of frontline law enforcement experience and legal expertise, strengthen our ability to deliver unmatched advocacy for our members. Their commitment to service and justice reflects the very best of what NEPBA stands for.”

Chelmsford, MA — August 1, 2025 — The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Colonial Life, delivering a suite of exclusive voluntary benefit options tailored specifically for NEPBA members and their families.

This member-first benefits package offers peace of mind and protection when the unexpected happens. Through this collaboration, NEPBA members can explore coverage options designed to safeguard their health, finances, and future, all with the convenience of automatic draft/EFT premium payments.

Available voluntary benefit options include (based on state availability):

• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance*
• Hospital Confinement (Medical Bridge) Insurance
• Term Life Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance

What sets this program apart is that most benefits are available with no health questions or medical underwriting during the program’s initial launch, making this a rare opportunity for members to access affordable, meaningful protection with ease.

To ensure every member gets the personalized guidance they need, Colonial Life benefits counselors will be onsite at key NEPBA locations across our region. Dates and times for these events will be announced soon. For those unable to attend in person, virtual support via phone or screen-share sessions will also be offered.

“We are always looking for ways to better serve our members, and this partnership with Colonial Life helps us do just that,” said Chris Ryan, NEPBA President. “By offering real protection with minimal barriers, we’re empowering officers and their families with financial security they can count on.”

NEPBA Executive Director Tom Turco added, “This new package of benefits is a direct reflection of our commitment to our members’ well-being, on the job and beyond. We encourage all members to explore the coverage options available and take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

Stay tuned for event dates and benefit enrollment information.

*NOTE: family coverage options are available for all Colonial Life plans except the disability insurance.