- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
- Municipal Police Training Committee
Media Contact for Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces New Leadership Team at the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee
Elaine Driscoll, Director of Communications and Policy
Boston — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced two new leadership appointments at the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC). Rick Rathbun has been named as MPTC’s new Executive Director. A former police chief and long-time academy instructor, Rathbun brings over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, operational management and organization leadership to this role. Amy Fanikos, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of law enforcement experience, has been promoted from MPTC’s Basic Training Division Manager to Deputy Executive Director.
“Rick Rathbun’s extensive career in public safety, academy instruction and law enforcement accreditation make him uniquely qualified to lead the MPTC,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are confident that the new MPTC leadership team will advance the essential work of the agency and strengthen community safety statewide.”
“Rick’s operational expertise and strategic vision will guide the MPTC’s mission to promote public safety by enhancing police training, implementing police reform and adapting programs to meet the evolving needs of officers and the communities they serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m pleased to welcome Rick to his new role and congratulate Amy on her promotion. I look forward to their combined impact on the future of the Municipal Police Training Committee.”
As Executive Director, Rathbun will work collaboratively with the 15-member Municipal Police Training Committee to guide the development and implementation of a standardized educational curriculum for new and veteran police officers, oversee a statewide network of state-of-the-art academies, advance police reform mandates, and ensure the delivery of exceptional training that equips officers to meet the demands of modern policing and serve communities across Massachusetts with the highest standards of public safety and professionalism.
“Rick Rathbun’s proven track record in innovative police leadership and stakeholder engagement will be a tremendous asset to the MPTC and ensure that the agency remains at the forefront of providing world-class training to officers across Massachusetts,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Amy’s promotion to Deputy Executive Director is a testament to her hard work, expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence. I also extend my deepest gratitude to Jeff Farnsworth for his steady leadership and dedicated service during his tenure as interim executive director.”
“I am honored to join Governor Healey’s administration as the Executive Director of the Municipal Police Training Committee,” said incoming Executive Director Rick Rathbun. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the MPTC’s talented team and build upon their tremendous progress. I’m excited to collaborate with the MPTC’s committee members and our many stakeholders. I am deeply committed to providing police professionals across the state with a strong foundation of entry-level training and continuing education in all aspects of law enforcement knowledge and professional development.”
“I’m grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Reidy for the opportunity to take on this important role,” said newly appointed Deputy Executive Director Amy Fanikos. “I’m thrilled to continue serving alongside the dedicated MPTC team as we continuously enhance police training standards and promote excellence in law enforcement in communities across the Commonwealth.”
Rathbun is expected to assume leadership of the MPTC at the end of January. He succeeds Interim Executive Director Jeff Farnsworth, who stepped into the role in July 2024. Farnsworth will assist with a smooth transition and continue his service to the administration in his former role as a Senior Policy Advisor to Law Enforcement at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
About Rick Rathbun
Rick Rathbun is a seasoned police executive and U.S. Air Force Veteran with over 30 years of experience in public safety, law enforcement, and organizational leadership. Most recently, Rathbun served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). In this role, he led strategic initiatives to advance law enforcement accreditation and best practices across Massachusetts. Under his leadership, MPAC implemented innovative technology, enhanced relationships with over 250 law enforcement agencies and promoted a culture of excellence in public safety.
Before joining MPAC, Rathbun served as Colonel of the Warwick Police Department in Rhode Island, where he rose through the ranks to lead an agency of nearly 200 officers and over 50 civilian staff. During his tenure as Colonel, he effectively managed a multi-million-dollar budget, guided strategic planning, oversaw human resources, and managed grievances and arbitration-related matters. He also spent ten years as a crisis negotiator on the agency’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
He served concurrently as the city’s Emergency Management Director, developing and implementing comprehensive emergency response plans to protect critical infrastructures, including an international airport and coastal areas, during natural disasters and other emergencies.
In addition, Rathbun spent over 15 years as an instructor at the Rhode Island Municipal Training Academy, providing recruits and veteran officers with advanced training.
Rathbun holds a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security from Salve Regina and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2019 Distinguished Service Award from the New England Chapter of the Gay Officers’ Action League (GOAL), the 2019 Patriotic Employer from the U.S. Office of Secretary of Defense and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization as well as numerous commendations during his career.
About Amy Fanikos
With over 25 years of law enforcement experience, Amy Fanikos most recently served as MPTC’s Basic Training Division Manager. In this role, Amy guided the statewide training of more than 500 new police officers annually, leading efforts to streamline processes, standardize training and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
Before joining MPTC, Fanikos held various leadership positions at the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD), including Captain of Special Operations, Lieutenant of Operations, and Acting Deputy Chief. During her tenure with HUPD, she oversaw day-to-day patrol operations and special operations, including personnel, asset, budgetary and project management. She developed a peer support program to promote officer wellness, an online records system, and developed standard operating procedures for the Special Operations Division. She also led multi-jurisdictional teams in the planning and executing of large-scale events and served on several committees to address crime, mental health response, and infrastructure security.
Fanikos holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and French from the University of Rochester. She also earned an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.
About the Municipal Police Training Committee
The Municipal Police Training Committee develops and delivers world-class training across the Commonwealth to 23,000 officers at every stage of their careers, ranging from basic training for new officers to mandatory and specialized professional development training. An agency within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), MPTC is responsible for the statewide standardization of police training, delivering a modernized training program that aligns with national best practices, public expectations, and legislative mandates put forward by the 2020 police reform law. MPTC operates a network of convenient regional academies and authorizes independent academies that meet the Agency’s standard of excellence.
In addition to municipal officers, MPTC ensures the highest training standards for MBTA Police Officers, Environmental Police Officers, UMass Campus Police Officers, Campus Police Officers, and Deputy Sheriffs performing Police duties and functions.
The MPTC operates Police Academies in Boylston, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lynnfield, Plymouth and Randolph. The MPTC also authorizes full-time academies with the Boston Police Academy, Cambridge Police Academy – Northeastern University, Fitchburg State University Police Program, Lowell Police Academy, MBTA Police Academy, Springfield Police Academy, Worcester Police Academy, Quinsigamond Community College, and the MA National Guard Civilian Academy.
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