NEPBA Secures Major Arbitration Victory; Sgt. Edward Page Reinstated in Full
Apr 10, 2026
The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) has secured a significant arbitration victory on behalf of Sgt. Edward Page of the UMass Chan Medical School Police Department, reaffirming the critical principle that law enforcement officers must be judged based on real-time decision making, not hindsight.
In a comprehensive decision issued on April 8, 2026, the Arbitrator sustained the Union’s grievance and ruled that the Employer lacked just cause to terminate Sgt. Page, a veteran officer with 27 years of service.
After a detailed review of testimony, video evidence, and expert analysis, the Arbitrator rejected the Employer’s claim that Sgt. Page engaged in misconduct. Instead, the decision recognized that Sgt. Page was responding to a rapidly evolving and volatile situation involving an emotionally disturbed individual who had fled custody, made violent threats, and posed a clear risk to himself and others.
The Arbitrator concluded that Sgt. Page’s actions were objectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances and consistent with accepted law enforcement training and use of force principles. Importantly, the decision emphasized that officers must be evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, particularly in situations that require split second judgment in dynamic and unpredictable environments.
The ruling further affirmed that Sgt. Page was not required to disengage or delay action while awaiting backup, recognizing that the encounter was continuous and rapidly unfolding. The force used was deemed neither excessive nor unnecessary, but rather a measured and appropriate response to regain control and prevent further harm.
As part of the award, the Arbitrator ordered that Sgt. Page’s termination be fully rescinded. He will be reinstated with full back pay, benefits, and seniority, and all references to the termination will be removed from his personnel file.
The Union was represented in this matter by NEPBA Attorney Tom Horgan of Hanley Law Office, whose advocacy was instrumental in securing this outcome.
“This decision reinforces a fundamental truth in policing. Officers are required to make split second decisions in fluid, often dangerous situations, and those decisions must be evaluated in that same real-world context,” said Horgan. “The Arbitrator carefully reviewed the full record and correctly concluded that Sgt. Page’s actions were consistent with his training and the law. We’re proud to have secured a result that not only restores Sgt. Page’s career but also upholds the standard of fairness every officer deserves.”
NEPBA President Chris Ryan praised the decision:
“This is a decisive and important victory, not just for Sgt. Page, but for every law enforcement officer who is asked to make difficult decisions in real time. This ruling reinforces what we have long stood for. Our members deserve to be judged fairly, based on the totality of the circumstances they face in the field, not second guessed with the benefit of hindsight. Sgt. Page acted to protect both the individual and the public, and we are proud to have stood with him throughout this process.”
This outcome underscores NEPBA’s unwavering commitment to defending its members against unjust discipline and ensuring that established legal standards, particularly those governing use of force, are applied fairly and appropriately.
