A Stoneham police sergeant resigned rather than face termination after officials say an investigation into his conduct determined he had used “vulgar and racially insensitive” language on numerous occasions while on duty.
Stoneham police began an internal investigation into Thomas Heller in spring 2023, and “immediately” placed him on administrative leave after verifying the initial allegations concerning Heller, Stoneham Police Chief James O’Connor and Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan said in a joint statement Monday.
Heller remained on leave while an independent investigator hired by the town looked into his conduct. Stoneham police also notified the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, which oversees the state’s police officers and departments, of the allegations against Heller.
The investigation found “Heller violated department policies, rules and regulations regarding his use of vulgar and racially insensitive language on multiple occasions while on duty,” according to the statement.
“He was also found to be untruthful during the investigation,” O’Connor and Sheehan said.
Facing termination, Heller resigned, a decision the town did not contest. Heller and the town entered into a separation agreement detailing his departure from the police force. The statement does not give the date of Heller’s resignation.
As part of the agreement, Heller did not receive any additional pay beyond what he was owed under collective bargaining agreements and the law, officials said. The POST commission was notified of Heller’s resignation, and Stoneham officials provided the state with the results of the investigation.
“There is no place for hateful language among the members of the Stoneham Police Department,” the statement from O’Connor and Sheehan reads. “We are committed to serving in partnership with our community in an unbiased and impartial manner while treating all with respect, compassion and fairness.”
