On August 5, 2021, the Southeast Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council (SRAC) elected new leadership for the first time in over a decade. Norton Police Chief Brian Clark will serve as SRAC Chair and Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher will serve as Vice Chair. Both received the unanimous vote of the full Council, with all 18 voting members present and Massachusetts Undersecretary for Homeland Security, Jeanna Benincasa Thorpe, in attendance.

Chief Clark has served the Norton Police Department for over 30 years, the last 13 years as Chief. Clark received his BA from Stonehill College, a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England College, and is a graduate of the 224th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Clark is the Bristol County Representative to the Executive Committee of the MA Chiefs of Police Association, the current President of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, and the Secretary to the Bristol County Police Chiefs Association. As SRAC Chair, Clark will continue to advocate for joint active shooter trainings with other law enforcement councils and fire service.   

Chief Kelleher has been a member of the Foxborough Fire Department since 1996 and has served as the town’s Fire Chief since 2018. Kelleher holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Crisis Management from Norwich University. Additionally, Kelleher earned a Paramedic Certification from Northeastern University and is a member of the Mass Hazmat Response Team. As SRAC Vice Chair, Kelleher will work diligently to recommend and implement state Homeland Security strategies that address regional planning, training, and exercise needs throughout the SRAC.    

SRAC is responsible for meeting the core capabilities of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Council programs and distributes federal funding to projects that increase public safety throughout the 97 communities of the SRAC region. SRPEDD Homeland Security staff provide grant, project, and program management support to the SRAC via the use of State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant funding.  

Congratulations to Chief Clark and Chief Kelleher.