Bristol County Sheriff Staff Earn Top Honors After Heroic Year

BOSTON (WBSM) — Two members of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office were recently recognized at the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association Law Enforcement & Corrections Awards in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House.

Dispatcher Alyssa Perley was named Employee of the Year, and Captain Sam Rapoza was named Supervisor of the Year, during the November 13 ceremony.

“The awards ceremony highlighted stories of heroism, commitment, and innovation within the law enforcement and corrections communities across the Commonwealth,” according to an MSA release.

Perley’s Heroic Response During Fall River Fire

Perley was recognized for her “exceptional composure, leadership, and coordination” during the Gabriel House assisted living facility fire in Fall River on July 13. She was working alone that evening, and still managed to maintain her regular dispatch duties while also assisting 60 to 80 patients in need of emergency transport.

“Her calm under pressure, quick decision-making and effective leadership were essential to the response’s success,” Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said. “She coordinated nine hospital patches, all flawlessly executed, and stayed past her shift to ensure a smooth transition to incoming staff.”

“Alyssa’s performance exemplifies her excellence in emergency communications, her professionalism, and dedication (that) directly contributed to the care and safety of dozens of vulnerable patients, and demonstrated the critical role dispatchers play during large-scale emergencies,” Heroux said.

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Rapoza’s Strategy for Transforming Recruitment

Rapoza was recognized as Supervisor of the Year “for his innovative and results-driven approach in revitalizing the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office recruitment program, dramatically increasing applicant engagement and academy enrollment through multi-platform outreach, strategic partnerships, and hands-on support for prospective recruits.”

Heroux said that Rapoza, who joined the BCSO in 2004 and became captain in 2016, was tasked in November 2023 with revising the agency’s recruitment efforts. He noted that training academy numbers have “soared” from four trainees in 2022 to 31 in March 2025, with over 40 in September 2025.

He credited Rapoza’s innovations such as building partnerships with local colleges for internship and scholarship opportunities, providing facility tours for prospective applicants, and using a data-driven approach to trying new recruitment tools and then documenting their success.

“Sam’s leadership has had a profound impact on recruitment workforce growth, and we are honored to recognize him as Supervisor of the Year,” Heroux said.