The Chelsea Police Department recently announced that Officer Matthew DiNicola has been selected as the 2026 Exceptional Service Award recipient for Region 4 by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). This national recognition highlights Officer DiNicola’s unwavering commitment to the students, faculty, and families within the Chelsea school community.
The Exceptional Service Award is presented annually to one school resource officer in each of NASRO’s ten national regions who demonstrates continuous and sustained service to their school community above and beyond what is normally expected of a school resource officer. NASRO is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to school based policing and school safety training.
Officer DiNicola was selected among school resource officers from across the Northeast region for his leadership, professionalism, mentorship, and dedication to building positive relationships with students throughout the Chelsea Public Schools community.
Officer DiNicola will formally receive this honor during a national awards ceremony on June 29 as part of NASRO’s National School Safety Conference in Reno, Nevada. The conference brings together school resource officers, educators, and law enforcement professionals from across the country to recognize excellence and discuss best practices in school safety and youth engagement.
“Officer DiNicola represents the very best of community policing and youth engagement,” said Police Chief Keith Houghton. “His dedication to the students of Chelsea goes far beyond enforcement. He builds relationships, inspires trust, and serves as a role model. We are incredibly proud to see his work recognized on a national level.”
The Chelsea Police Department also recognizes the strong and collaborative partnership it shares with Chelsea Public Schools. This relationship has been instrumental in creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students can thrive, Houghton added.
Officer DiNicola’s recognition reflects not only his individual efforts, but also the collective commitment of the Chelsea Police Department and Chelsea Public Schools to prioritize student well being, safety, and success, stated the chief.