New England Police Benevolent Association Announces Landmark Agreement with the Massachusetts Police Association Legal Defense Fund
Dec 31, 2025
Chelmsford, MA — December 31, 2025 — The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) is proud to announce a first-of-its-kind decision to align its members’ critical legal needs with the premier law enforcement legal defense fund in the Commonwealth: the Massachusetts Police Association Legal Defense Fund (MPA LDF). This determination significantly strengthens legal protections and peace of mind for NEPBA members across Massachusetts.
Recognizing the significant exposure to high-stakes litigation that law enforcement officials face simply due to the nature of their employment, NEPBA representatives undertook an extensive and deliberate evaluation process that included consultations and interviews with legal professionals, as well as a careful review of available and potential defense options. Following that considered review, the NEPBA determined that the MPA LDF offers the most comprehensive, experienced and proven legal representation available to law enforcement officers.
This determination reflects the NEPBA’s commitment to securing the highest standard of protection for its members, both proactively and when it matters most. By choosing the MPA LDF, NEBPA members are provided with direct access to the most respected and comprehensive legal defense program available to law enforcement officers in Massachusetts. As the MPA LDF recently celebrated fifty years of unmatched service, it remains the gold standard in individualized legal representation for police officers, offering proactive counsel, immediate response and unmatched advocacy at every level of the legal system.
“This is a game-changer for our members,” said Tom Turco, Executive Director of NEPBA. “Our mission always has been to protect those who protect others. By aligning with the Massachusetts Police Association Legal Defense Fund, we are ensuring our members have access to the highest caliber legal defense available, before issues arise and when it matters most.”
Law enforcement officers today face legal exposure from multiple fronts, including citizens, employers, supervisors, co-workers, and government agencies. Since 1974, the MPA LDF has been committed to providing officers’ with the finest legal talent to address officers’ needs in whatever context they arise. Coverage includes direct and immediate access to experienced and preeminent attorneys before incidents escalate and, once they have ripened, full representation at all levels of the federal and state courts, as well as in administrative hearings, POST proceedings, internal affairs investigations, retirement and civil service matters, ethics complaints, arbitration, and more.
“At the NEPBA, we are constantly evaluating how we can deliver real, tangible value to our membership,” said Christopher Ryan, NEPBA President. “This association reinforces our commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our members through every challenge they face on and off duty. The Legal Defense Fund’s track record speaks for itself, there is simply no comparable level of protection available.”
From MPA LDF Committee Chair Gary Quitadamo: “In our policing environment, one in which a police officer faces serious personal and professional risk at every turn, it is critically important that officers remain proactive to ensure their legal protection. The MPA LDF is ready to provide members of the NEPBA with the best legal defense possible.”
“The MPA LDF and our attorneys take the job of representing police officers most seriously,” said Quitadamo. “Whether it is a phone call to talk through a developing issue or providing the best advocacy possible in federal and state courts across Massachusetts, the attorneys strive to outwork and outlitigate those who attack the personal and professional interests of our MPA LDF members.”
J.T. Hoar, member of the Executive Board for the Massachusetts Police Association, commented: “For more than 50 years, the MPA Legal Defense Fund has had one mission: making sure officers are never alone when their career, reputation, or livelihood is at stake. This collaboration strengthens that promise and expands protections for officers across the Commonwealth. The MPA Legal Defense Fund has often been imitated but never duplicated, and we’re pleased the NEPBA recognizes that as we continue providing services that are second to none"
Membership in the MPA LDF provides officers with the broadest level of legal protection available anywhere, including:
- 24/7 emergency access directly to an experienced LDF attorney
- Immediate on-scene legal counsel for critical incidents
- Full coverage of all legal fees, costs and expenses associated with legal representation of officers
- Discounted legal services for non-LDF matters
The annual membership fee of $300 covers everything connected to the representation, from deposition transcripts to expert witness fees, all to ensure that officers are never forced to navigate complex legal challenges alone or out-of-pocket.
“This is about preparation, protection, and peace of mind,” Turco added. “When our members put on the uniform, they deserve to know that the strongest legal defense stands behind them.”
For more information about the MPA LDF, including enrollment, officers are encouraged to visit masspolice.com, call 774-712-4511 or email LDF@masspolice.com. Officers also may contact Vigliotti, Gambaccini & Akerson directly at 508-686-0979.
