Ambassador Highlight

Anthony Tantillo set out on his law enforcement journey more than 20 years ago when he joined the Connecticut State Police Explorer program. Inspired by what the program offered, he joined through his local Resident State Trooper’s Office in Tolland, CT. Motivated by Explorer Post Advisor, and current Executive Director for Officer Safety and Wellness at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Sergeant Troy Anderson, Anthony rose through the Explorer ranks taking on new leadership roles and eventually making Captain before leaving for Enfield, Connecticut.

Anthony became a member of the Enfield Connecticut Police Auxiliary Program while pursuing an associate degree. It was during this time that his son, Anthony “AJ” was born. For the next nine years he would gain valuable experience working as a security officer at some of the largest shopping centers in Connecticut, three area hospitals, the Connecticut Air National Guard military base in East Granby, Ct. and two local colleges.

In 2015, Anthony became an officer within the Connecticut Department of Corrections. He served in Connecticut’s only supermax prison, Northern CCI, and MacDougall-Walker, the largest correctional facility in New England. Anthony worked at several other facilities while enrolled at Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Reserve/Intermittent Police Academy. He became Vice President of his graduating class and prior to his 2020 graduation accepted a position with the Western New England University Police Department.

Anthony went on to attend the Massachusetts State Police Special State Police Officer (SSPO #30) full time academy and graduated in 2021. Upon graduating he left the University to become a full-time police officer in Palmer, Ma. Today he works for the Sudbury Police Department, a move that brought him closer to home and family.

Anthony’s connection to the NLEOMF Ambassador Program brought him full circle. Last year Anthony connected with his old State Police Explorer Advisor, Troy Anderson, and current Ambassador Ben Hoffman (MA). Troy introduced Anthony to this new start up program, relying on active and retired law enforcement officers as well as dispatchers, to further the mission of the Memorial. Anthony says, “My hope for the program is to create friendships, share guidance, assist, and offer leadership ideas, all while promoting and celebrating the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and all that it offers. The most important part of the Ambassador Program is to never forget and celebrate the legacies of those who gave all, while unifying all in the field as one family. I’ve lost some personal acquaintances in the line of duty. I believe anyone lost is family as we are all serving together.”

Over the years Anthony has amassed a large network of associates through his affiliations with such groups as the Massachusetts Association of Italian American Police Officers, Irish American Police Officers Association, Massachusetts Coalition of Police (Mass COP), Massachusetts Police Association, International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA), and the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #30. His contacts and work within these associations has helped further our message within the NLEOMF.

In May, Anthony joined fellow Ambassador Ben Hoffman at Fenway Park as both represented the NLEOMF during the Boston Red Sox Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. Together, they accompanied FOP National Trustee Richard W. Shailor onto the field as he sang the National Anthem.

These days Anthony enjoys spending time with his son, AJ, his girlfriend, Erin, and their dog, Nola. He continues to support the NLEOMF and we look forward to seeing him in 2024 for National Police Week.