Foxborough Chief Thanks Franklin & Medway for Role in FIFA Success

Foxborough Police Chief, Michael A. Grace (screen grab courtesy of ITV News)

In
a letter to his law enforcement colleagues, shared with the Observer by
a recipient, Foxborough Chief of Police recapped the scale of the law
enforcement effort in which his department functioned as a keystone:

`With the completion of all seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, we can now reflect on what was truly one of the most significant public safety operations ever undertaken in the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

"Over the course of 32 days and seven matches, law enforcement officers from across Massachusetts helped provide a safe and secure environment for more than 400,000 ticketed fans who attended matches in Foxborough. An estimated 82 million viewers watched domestically while approximately 2.4 billion followed the tournament worldwide. Supporting an event of this magnitude required the coordinated efforts of nearly 3,000 public safety personnel representing almost 60 law enforcement agencies from across the Commonwealth.

Grace went on to credit help from Franklin, Medway and a big swath of safety and security agencies across the Commonwealth for the success of the effort:

"Perhaps most importantly, this tournament showcased the very best of policing in Massachusetts to the world. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the United States and around the globe experienced firsthand the professionalism, courtesy, compassion, and service-oriented approach that define law enforcement in our Commonwealth. Many arrived with little understanding of policing in Massachusetts. What they witnessed were officers who were welcoming, approachable, professional, and committed to service. The positive feedback received from spectators, event officials, and international partners was a direct reflection of the men and women who stood shoulder to shoulder throughout this mission," he continued.