The mission of the Maritime Special Response Unit (MSRU) is to provide METRO-LEC member agencies with specialized maritime law enforcement capabilities, operational support, and technical expertise during incidents occurring on or around coastal and inland waterways.

Through regional partnerships and coordinated interagency response, the MSRU expands the operational capabilities of local law enforcement agencies by providing access to advanced marine assets, specialized equipment, and highly trained personnel that may otherwise be unavailable at the municipal level.

 

Serving as a regional force multiplier, the unit provides scalable support during critical incidents while also connecting local agencies to additional state, federal, and regional resources when needed. The unit can further assist with maritime incident command, operational coordination, and unified command support during large-scale or complex events.

 

The MSRU is capable of supporting a wide range of public safety and law enforcement missions, including:

 

• Search and Rescue Operations

• Evidence and Body Recovery

• Public Safety Dive Operations

• Security Zone Enforcement

• Planned Event and Critical Infrastructure Security

• Boater Safety and Maritime Enforcement Initiatives

• Inland Waterway Operations involving lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs

• Tactical Maritime Operations in coordination with METRO-LEC SWAT

 

The unit maintains advanced maritime search and recovery capabilities utilizing SONAR systems and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of complex underwater searches, recovery operations, and evidence location efforts.

In addition to supporting METRO-LEC member communities, the MSRU regularly partners with the Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, the United States Coast Guard, and other regional public safety agencies to strengthen interoperability, improve resource sharing, and enhance regional preparedness and mission effectiveness across the Commonwealth.

 

The MSRU is comprised of two teams:

• Underwater Recovery Team (URT)

• Tactical Response Team (TRT)

 

MSRU Structure:

• Control Chief:

  • Chief Mark Thompson

• Assistant Control Chiefs:

  • Chief Dana Flynn

  • Chief Phil Tavares

• Unit Commander

  • Captain Marc Higgins

• Team Leaders:

  • URT: Lt. Bob Gillan

  • TRT:

    • HM Mike Dimeo (Boats)

    • Sgt. Harrison Schmidt (SWAT)