"He was always there, he was exposed and didn't hide behind a desk." "He thought skills in budgeting, finance, collective bargaining, public speaking and organizational management would set him apart - they did that and more."Ĭarol Willoughby, a Southborough resident who worked with Webber to champion the town's sexual offender bylaws, said the chief was caring, compassionate and worked hard for people. "Most cops do a criminal justice degree," she said. Vanessa Hale, assistant town administrator, was in Webber's public administration program at Clark. She recalled that as a member of a department-head book club, Webber had a love of historical nonfiction and books on the military. Town Planner Vera Kolias remembered his fantastic sense of humor and how well he collaborated with others. "He adored his children and his wife, and had nothing but fondness for his parents and siblings." Selectwoman Bonnie Phaneuf said she took great pleasure in being on the board that appointed Webber as chief in 2004, and would remember him as a friend and family man. "He's one of those people you meet in a lifetime that makes a lasting impression." "Everyone in town is feeling the loss," she said. He was highly respected by those he worked with, said Town Administrator Jean Kitchen. "Billy had a great sense of humor and could always lighten the moment," Mauro said. met Webber when both joined their departments in the early 1980s, and the pair would often work out together. I'll always regret that I never got to work under him as chief."įire Chief John Mauro Jr.
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"Probably the best police officer I ever knew. "He was one of the good guys," Moore said. He became a sergeant after three years, and was appointed chief in 2004.įrank Moore, who retired from the department in 1997, called Webber intelligent and even-keeled. Mary's Central Catholic High School in Milford in 1973, from Northeastern University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1983 and from Clark University with a master's degree in public administration in 2003.Īfter graduating from the state police academy, Webber became a reserve officer in Southborough in 1980 and was quickly promoted to full-time. "Billy was the nicest guy in the world and was well-loved." "He was a great role model," Stephen said. Webber was a Boy Scout, then an Eagle Scout, and did things right, Stephen said. The Webber children spent countless hours playing sports with their cousins, the Cullens, on their dead-end street. Stephen Webber remembers growing up with his brother at their Nelson Heights home in Milford. Webber was born in Worcester, the oldest of four children.
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"He did everything right, but unfortunately cancer strikes where it strikes." "Billy was very friendly, kind-hearted and wise," said Leahy.
KATIE WEBBER NORTHEASTERN PORTABLE
Northborough Police Chief Mark Leahy, a good friend, said Webber never stopped fighting and never stopped working, keeping a portable police radio by his side and firing off e-mails from his laptop.