U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Henry Pantoja Visits Lowell Police Youth Services Boxing Gym

LOWELL — Acting Superintendent Barry Golner is pleased to report that U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Henry Pantoja, a Lowell native who earned the highest possible rank for an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army, visited youth at the Lowell Police Youth Services Boxing Gym on Thursday. 

Pantoja, who is also a three-time Golden Gloves champion, spoke to young boxers about the positive impact that forming relationships with School Resource Officers had on him as a younger man.

Former Lowell Police Capt. Timothy Crowley — now the police chief in Atkinson, N.H. — also attended because he was a School Resource Officer who mentored Pantoja when he was growing up on Grand and Salem streets in Lowell. Crowley and Pantoja have maintained a connection even though Pantoja has been away with the military for over 24 years. 

Pantoja was joined by Jose Ayala, another Lowell native and former professional boxer who is a longtime friend. Both men helped coach and mentor youth at the gym on Thursday. 

Pantoja grew up in Lowell and then rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major over a more than 24 year career with the Army, also earning two bachelors degrees along the way. He is now working toward a masters degree as well. 

Pantoja told students to try to gravitate toward positive people and to avoid the negative influences that pop up in their lives, and said he owes the City of Lowell everything because of the education and mentorship he received while growing up. 

“When I was growing up Mr. Crowley and a lot of officers were always watching us and making sure we were doing the right thing. They didn’t do it for the money or because it was their job. They did it because they cared about the youth,” said Pantoja. “I’m blessed to have been able to reach the point of my career that I’m in today, so I think it’s important for me to pay it forward and to help these kids understand that they can do anything that they want to achieve.”

“Henry is a prime example of where hard work and dedication can take you in life, and the impact that his relationship with a School Resource Officer had on his life is exactly the kind of thing we’re trying to achieve with our School Resource Officer program and Lowell Police Youth Services,” said Acting Superintendent Golner. “I would like to thank Command Sergeant Major Pantoja for taking time to speak to our youths, and for setting such a great example for everyone.”

About the Lowell Police Youth Services Program:

The Lowell Police Youth Services Program seeks to create opportunities for all city youth to participate in free after school activities, athletics, and other ventures that emphasize health and wellness, while also experiencing positive interactions with police officers. The Lowell Police Youth Services Program is open to partnering with all community stakeholders.

For more information on the Lowell Police Youth Services Program, visit https://lowellpolice.org/youth-services/ or email: LPDYouthServices@lowellma.gov. To make a donation to the Lowell Police Youth Services Program via the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, click here. To follow the Lowell Police Youth Services Program on Instagram, click here.