Town Manager Colin Loiselle announced today that Chief of Police Richard D. Howe has submitted his notice of retirement effective October 1, 2024.
Chief Howe has served the Town of Tyngsborough for 29 years and has been a proud member of the law enforcement community for 35 years. His career in Tyngsborough started as a patrol officer in 1995. In 1999 he was promoted to Sergeant and in 2011 he was promoted to Lieutenant. Chief Howe made a name for himself in the department as a leader and a visionary and in recognition of that, he was named Acting Chief of Police in January of 2013. In June of 2013, he began his tenure as permanent Chief of Police.
In his time with the Department, Chief Howe has overseen the department’s accreditation efforts, established the Town’s first School Resource Officer Program, worked to develop and launch a co-response model with behavioral health clinicians, and instilled a community-policing mindset in all those who serve the Tyngsborough Police Department. In doing all of this, Chief Howe has fostered positive relationships with elected officials, town staff, members of the department, and most importantly the residents of Tyngsborough. Chief Howe is active in our community though volunteer efforts and serves in regional capacities through the Middlesex Chiefs of Police Association and the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC).
Town Manager Colin Loiselle notes “I have had the pleasure of working with Chief Howe since 2017 and have come to appreciate his candor, empathy, and passion for service. He is a fierce advocate for his department and his wisdom and experience have served the law enforcement community and this Town well.”
Chief Howe has committed to working with the Town Manager and Select Board to ensure a smooth transition. Over the coming weeks, Town Manager Colin Loiselle will work with Chief Howe and the Select Board to identify the path forward to naming a new Chief of Police to ensure the continued success of the Tyngsborough Police Department.
Select Board Chair Eric Eldridge shared his praise for Chief Howe: “His unwavering commitment to public safety and community engagement has left an indelible mark on Tyngsborough as he led the transformation into a modern police department that the town can be truly proud of. We extend our deepest gratitude for his leadership and wish him a fulfilling retirement filled with peace and happiness.”
More information about the process for filling the vacancy will be forthcoming.