BCAT News

The Burlington 4th of July Committee is pleased to announce their unanimous choice for “Outstanding Citizen” of 2021. 

Chief Michael Kent was appointed in 2010, the first ever appointed from outside the department, he hails from Amherst Massachusetts and lovingly refers to us as “Flatlanders”. 

With a strong emphasis on training, the Burlington Police Department now employs one of the most highly educated workforces in the area with more than 90% of members obtaining a college degree including 4 attorneys. Long before it was fashionable, the Chief recognized the need for officers that specialized in areas of domestic violence, elder abuse, drug addiction, fraud prevention and mental health intervention. 

The Burlington Police Department was one of the first to equip all cruisers with narcan in their medical kits during the opioid crisis and continues to strive to remain ahead of the curve. We salute Chief Kent for his accomplishments here in Burlington and wish him and his family all the best as he begins the next chapter of his life as “Retired Chief”. Committee member Mike Runyan spoke on the decision to select Chief Kent for the honor.

“Based on the theme of “Tribute to Heroes” and the accomplishments and co-operation of Chief Kent with the 4th of July Committee over the years, we decided it would be a fitting honor,” said Runyan. 

The traditional 4th of July Parade is themed as a “Rolling Rally” this year featuring and honoring anybody who was made an essential worker a year ago. As a safety measure all parade participants will be in or on a motorized moving vehicle.The rally is set to include local heroes like People Helping People, HELPIS, Burlington, Womenade, members of the Burlington Board of Health and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center.

Be sure to get out this Independence Day for Burlington’s “Rolling Rally ” which will start at11am from Pine Glen School, travel down Wilmington Road, turn up Cambridge Street, continue onto Winn Street and end at Marshall Simonds Middle School.