NORTH ANDOVER — The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) issued a suspension order to Kelsey Fitzsimmons, the North Andover off-duty police officer who was shot in her home when North Andover police were serving a restraining order to her June 30.
Her law enforcement certification was suspended as soon as the order was issued Monday. The notice was sent to Fitzsimmons, the North Andover Police Department, the Division of Police Certification, Collective Bargaining Unit, and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
Fitzsimmons, 28, was shot after an armed confrontation took place when three North Andover police went to her residence at 125 Phillips Brooks Road to serve her with an abuse prevention order filed by North Andover firefighter Justin Aylaian, the father of their 4-month-old child.
After being struck with one gunshot in the confrontation, medical assistance was immediately administered to her. She was then flown to a Boston hospital, according to police. As of last Thursday, Fitzsimmons remained hospitalized for her injury but there were no official updates on her condition.
In the order, the commission’s Executive Director Enrique Zuniga said sufficient evidence had been received to require Fitzsimmons’ immediate suspension.
Fitzsimmons is directed to surrender any agency-issued credentials and equipment related to her work as a police officer. This includes “any uniform, badge, firearm, assigned cruiser, and use-of-force instruments, such as tasers,” according to the order.
The suspension will continue until the commission issues a final decision, or until it’s revoked by the commission.
POST was established to improve policing and enhance public confidence in law enforcement, according to its government website.
Fitzsimmons is able to request a hearing to revoke the suspension before the commission issues a final decision.
Last week, Fitzsimmons was charged with one count of armed assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, a spokesperson at the Essex County District Attorney’s Office confirmed.