State Representative Richard Wells

I was honored to join my colleagues for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg in support of Special Olympics Massachusetts. The Law Enforcement Torch Run serves as the “Flame of Hope,” bringing together law enforcement officers, athletes, families, and communities in support of inclusion and opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

It was great to see my friend, retired Attleboro Police Chief Rick Pierce, whose dedication to Special Olympics and the Torch Run has made a lasting impact on countless athletes and families over the years.

To the law enforcement officers who carried the torch, the volunteers who made the event possible, and especially the incredible Special Olympics athletes who inspire us all through their determination, sportsmanship, and perseverance, congratulations on a tremendous event.

Well done to everyone involved.

I recently had the opportunity to visit with students from HEY Randolph as part of their Sticker Shock campaign alongside Chief Marag and Lt. Pantazelos of the Randolph Police Department.

Sticker Shock is a youth-led substance use prevention initiative that brings young people and community members together to place warning stickers on multi-pack alcohol products in local stores. The stickers thank adults for helping to keep youth alcohol-free while also reminding customers of the legal consequences of providing alcohol to minors.

This campaign is an important effort to raise awareness at the point of purchase and encourage responsible decision-making in our communities. I was grateful to see these students taking such an active role in promoting public health and safety, and I thank Patrick St. Martin from HEY Randolph, the Randolph Police Department, and our local businesses for their partnership and commitment to supporting our young people.

Honored to attend Memorial Day observances in both Milton and Randolph today as we pause to remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy each day were secured at an immeasurable cost, and that we have a lasting obligation to remember those who never came home, while also keeping the Gold Star families who carry that loss each and every day in our hearts.

I was proud to join my colleagues in local and state government for these meaningful ceremonies, including in Milton, where we heard a moving keynote address from Milton resident Robert Jerdan, Incoming State Commander of the American Legion Department of Massachusetts.

My sincere thanks to all who helped make these observances possible, including the Randolph Veterans Council, AMVETS Post 51, Randolph town staff, American Legion Post 114 in Milton, Milton town staff, Milton’s Cemetery Board of Trustees, Superintendent Lisa Ahearn, and the members of our police and fire departments who helped ensure these ceremonies were conducted with the dignity and respect our fallen heroes deserve.

A special word of thanks as well to Henry Cooke, Chair of the Stetson Hall Trustees, for making Stetson Hall available for Randolph’s observance due to the inclement weather, and to Christine Stanton, Director of the Milton Council on Aging, along with Milton town staff, for helping to accommodate Milton’s ceremony indoors at the COA.

On Memorial Day, we remember not only those who gave their lives for our country, but also the families who have carried that sacrifice forward. May we never forget them.

Today at the State House was the Second Annual Military Appreciation Day, a meaningful opportunity to recognize the service members, veterans, and military families who have sacrificed so much for our Commonwealth and our country.

Each State Representative and Senator was invited to nominate a member of the military community from their district to be honored. I was proud to nominate Randolph’s own Jim Campbell, a man who has gone above and beyond in advocacy for our veterans. It was wonderful to welcome Jim and his wife Judy to the State House for this special event.

Jim is an Army veteran who served our nation in Vietnam and later dedicated years of service as the Town of Randolph’s Veterans Agent. Through his leadership with the Randolph Veterans Council and AMVETS Post 51, Jim has remained a tireless advocate for veterans and military families. His work helping to organize Randolph’s annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances has ensured that the service and sacrifice of our veterans are always remembered and honored.

As Memorial Day approaches, we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy each day were secured through the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of our Armed Forces. Today was a fitting tribute to those who have served our nation with honor and distinction.

Great to join DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle, leaders from the Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts Environmental Police, DCR staff, the Friends of the Blue Hills, residents, and the many visitors who enjoy Houghton’s Pond for this annual water safety event this afternoon.

As swimming areas across the Commonwealth prepare to welcome visitors for the summer season, today’s event highlighted the importance of water safety, vigilance, and responsible recreation. Whether at a pool, pond, lake, or beach, taking proper precautions, supervising children closely, and following posted safety guidance can help prevent tragedy.

Houghton’s Pond is a true crown jewel of the Blue Hills, enjoyed by families and visitors from across the region. Thank you to all who work to keep this special place safe, welcoming, and accessible for all.

Senator Driscoll and I were honored to welcome the 8th Grade class from St. Agatha School to the State House for a tour and visit. The 8th grade State House tour has long been a tradition for St. Agatha’s and it was great to help continue that. Great to see Deacon Dan Sullivan along with teachers Maeve McDonald and Andrew Moruzzi who accompanied the students.

Wishing the 8th grade graduating class all the best as they finish their academic year.

A great morning in Randolph for the annual Haitian Flag Day celebration and flag raising at Randolph Town Hall.

Happy to join Senator Bill Driscoll, Governor’s Councilor Tamisha Civil, Town Councilors Natacha Clerger and Katrina Huff-Larmond, Town Manager Brian Howard, Health Director Gerry Cody, and many others in celebrating Haiti, its people, and the many contributions of those of Haitian heritage.

A special word of thanks to Councilor Clerger for her leadership in organizing this event each year and for her steadfast advocacy on behalf of so many.

Yesterday, I had the honor of traveling to Salem to attend the funeral of Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainor.

His funeral was deeply emotional for his family, friends, and the thousands of his brothers and sisters in law enforcement who stood in the rain for several hours to pay final tribute to this young hero.

As I stood outside the small Catholic Church following the funeral, my thoughts drifted to Washington, D.C., where this very week thousands of law enforcement officers from across America have gathered for Police Week, which will culminate tomorrow, May 15, with National Peace Officers Memorial Day. This annual observance honors the more than 24,500 peace officers who have been killed in the line of duty in America.

Sadly, next year, the Trainor family will be among the honored guests as Trooper Kevin Trainor’s name is added to that solemn memorial, alongside the names of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2026.

In our daily lives, we see police officers in our communities. We read about their work in the news, often highlighting outstanding police work and, at times, the missteps of a very small minority.

What is less often seen are the countless selfless acts of courage, when brave men and women in blue are thrust into life-altering moments where innocent lives hang in the balance and decisive action matters most.

Much of this daily work passes unnoticed by the average person.

That decisive courage is woven into the fabric of policing. We witnessed it in Cambridge this week, where State Troopers and Cambridge Police officers ran toward the sound of gunfire.

That same extraordinary bravery was on full display when Trooper Trainor made the decision to place himself and his cruiser between a wrong-way motorist and innocent lives. His courage and selflessness cost him his young life.

It has been 40 years since I first attended a police line-of-duty funeral. The fearlessness Trooper Trainor displayed in that moment likely never registered in his own mind as extraordinary. He simply drove toward danger.

It is an innate virtue, rarely spoken of, but so often found when the sanctity of human life is in peril. It is something I have long admired in the many police officers I have known over the years.

The name of Kevin Trainor of the Massachusetts State Police now joins the ranks of many of my former police colleagues: Charbonnier, Griffiths, Sergie, Hanna, Anderson, Mortel, Gannon, Chesna, Collier, and Tarentino, to name just a few.

Each possessed that same boldness and courage in the face of danger. Each, like Trooper Kevin Trainor, gave their life in the service of protecting others.

Inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., are these powerful words:

"IT IS NOT HOW THESE OFFICERS DIED THAT MADE THEM HEROES, IT IS HOW THEY LIVED."

May God bless the life and memory of this brave young Trooper.

Congratulations to the Town of Randolph on receiving a Green Communities designation from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. This designation marks an important milestone in Randolph’s continued commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Happy to attend the official designation event and offer remarks recognizing the collaborative effort that made this achievement possible. Great to see DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony, Town Manager Brian Howard, Assistant Town Manager Kevin Dumas, Town Council President Ryan Egan, Town Councilor Natacha Clerger, School Committee Vice Chair Kirby Christian, Police Chief Anthony Marag, Kai Mueller, Municipal Energy Manager for Milton and Randolph, Town Clerk Cheryl Sass, Town Attorney Christine Griffin, members of the Randolph Police and Fire Department, and many community members, advocates, and town staff in attendance.

This designation reflects Randolph’s strong commitment to building a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for all residents.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, godmothers, and all the women whose love, guidance, and support help shape our families and communities each and every day.

A special Happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Pauline, and to my mother, Virginia. Thank you both for the love, strength, and care you bring to our family every day.

This Mother’s Day weekend has been made even more special as we celebrate our daughter Molly’s graduation from Syracuse University. A proud and memorable weekend for our family.

Wishing all mothers a happy and healthy Mother’s Day!