Detective Encarnacao Named Officer Of the Year

North Reading Police Detective Thomas Encarnacao was named Officer of the Year for 2011. Fellow officers voted for Encarnacao and the town will celebrate the detective in March with a formal ceremony at the Hillview Country Club.

Encarnacao grew up in North Reading and first became an officer in town in 1999. He was originally hired as a reserve officer, and then as a full-time police officer soon after attending a six-month police academy in Reading. 

He became a police officer for several reasons including influences from his older brother Joe and a childhood friend's father, who were both police officers.

"There are several reasons why I became a North Reading police officer. The first being retired NRPD Officer, Bruce Donle. Growing up in North Reading I was close friends with current NRPD Officer, Kevin Donle, who is Bruce’s son. As a kid, I always looked up to and respected the work that Bruce did for the town," Encarnacao said.

After starting college at Northern Essex Community College, Encarnacao transfered to the University of Massachusetts Lowell where he received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He also has a master's in criminal justice with a concentration in police administration. 

When asked what the most rewarding part of being a police officer is, Encarnacao said, "For me, I would have to say being part of an effective team and getting things done in what is often a pressure filled environment is very rewarding. Law enforcement is a profession which relies almost entirely on teamwork and the achievement of common objectives in order to be successful. Often times we are required to play different roles in order to get the job done, but we all know that each of us can be counted on when called."

The celebration for Encarnacao and his Officer of the Year award will be held at the Hillview Country Club on March 28.

“Tom’s eye for detail and his thorough approach have earned him respect throughout the Law Enforcement Community.” North Reading Chief of Police Michael Murphy said. “He’s admired by his broad knowledge and as a mentor to our younger officers. Tom focuses on doing things right and doing the right thing. He’s a perfect example of the professionalism throughout our department. It's a well-deserved award." 

Encarnacao is humbled to receive the award of Officer of the Year and is happy to have earned the respect of his collegues.

"I think that each of us who work here as North Reading police officers, work each day to earn and maintain that trust and respect, if some years you are recognized formally for your efforts, well that’s nice too. I am also very proud to receive an award that memorializes spirit and character of the late Frank J. Romeo, who I was fortunate enough to know and have worked with for several years."

He is married with two sons and enjoys spending time with his kids at sporting events, cooking on the grill, fishing and playing golf.