Chief Richard Howe, center, holds a plaque prepared for him by the Tyngsborough Police Department as he celebrates his retirement at Tyngsborough’s Old Town Hall on Wednesday. Howe is flanked by the Tyngsborough Police Honor Guard and Deputy Chief Shaun Woods, who will take over as acting chief upon Howe’s retirement on Oct. 1. (Courtesy Tyngsborough Police Department) 
Chief Howe, at right, is presented a plaque thanking him for his service by members of the Tyngsborough Select Board. From left are Select Board Chairman Eric Eldridge, Ron Schneider, and Jackie Geilfuss. (Courtesy Tyngsborough Police Department) 
Tyngsborough Police Chief Richard D. Howe stands with his father, Dick Howe, a retired detective from the Billerica Police Department, at a retirement party for Chief Howe, who is wrapping up a 29-year career with the Tyngsborough Police Department on Oct. 1. (Courtesy Tyngsborough Police Department) 
Chief Richard Howe, at right, shares a laugh with fellow police chiefs during Howe’s retirement party on Wednesday. From left are retired Chelmsford Police Chief James Spinney, Chelmsford Police Chief Colin Spence, and retired Billerica Police Chief Daniel Rosa. (Courtesy Tyngsborough Police Department) 
Chief Richard Howe gets a hug from a community member as he celebrates his retirement at Old Town Hall. (Courtesy Tyngsborough Police Department) 
Current and retired members of the Tyngsborough Police Department stand with Chief Howe, at center, following the celebration. (Courtesy Tyngsborough Police Department) 
Tyngsborough Town Manager Colin Loiselle speaks to those in attendance at a retirement party for Chief Richard Howe, seated on stage. In the foreground is Chief Howe’s family. (Courtesy Tyngsborough Police Department)
TYNGSBOROUGH — The Tyngsborough Police Department reports that Chief Richard D. Howe is retiring and celebrated his career Wednesday at the Old Town Hall.
Chief Howe will retire on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Deputy Chief Shaun Woods will serve as Acting Chief until the Town of Tyngsborough Select Board appoints a successor.
Chief Howe joined the Tyngsborough Police Department in 1995, and rose through the ranks over the years since. He was promoted to sergeant in 1999, to lieutenant in 2011, and to acting chief and then chief in 2015.
In brief remarks that were offered during the celebration, Town Manager Colin Loiselle noted the length of Chief Howe’s career with the town and laid out many of his most major accomplishments.
“In his time with the department, Chief Howe has overseen the department’s accreditation efforts, established the towns’ first School Resource Officer program, worked to develop and launch a co-response model and behavioral health initiatives, and installed a community policing mindset in all those who serve the Tyngsborough Police Department,” said Town Manager Loiselle. “In doing all of this, Chief Howe has fostered positive relationships with town officials, town staff, members of the department, and most of all residents of Tyngsborough.”
Loiselle also noted that Chief Howe, whose late brother was disabled, is a founding member of the Tyngsborough Commission of Disability.
“Aside from being a top-notch police officer and professional, Chief Howe is a great person,” Town Manager Loiselle said. “His empathy and compassion are evident in all he does, and because he leads by example, they’re evident in the men and women who serve Tyngsborough every day.”
Select Board Chairman Eric Eldridge mentioned Howe’s ties to the community, which include the Rotary Club, the Commission on Disability, and more.
“His unwavering commitment to public safety and community engagement have really left an indelible mark on the entire town of Tyngsborough, and has really led a transformation of the department into a modern police department that all of us can be proud of,” said Eldridge.
State Rep. Colleen Garry presented Howe with a citation from the House of Representatives, while Sen. Ed Kennedy’s District Director Dominik Lay presented Chief Howe with a citation from the state Senate.
Fire Chief Wes Russell recalled meeting Chief Howe early in both men’s careers. Howe was still serving as a sergeant and became the town’s deputy emergency management director, allowing him to work closely with Russell.
“Over the years, I’ve watched him demonstrate the leadership that he’s shown to everyone, and I have a great appreciation for everything he’s done for the Tyngsborough Police Department,” Chief Russell said. “We’ve evolved our two departments to work together seamlessly, and I have a great appreciation for that.”
Chief Russell also noted that Chief Howe obtained a master’s degree and his law degree while serving as police chief to better himself and improve his leadership abilities.
Deputy Chief Shaun Woods spoke last, and recounted the 2,192 days that he served as Howe’s deputy chief, dealing with significant personnel issues, significant changes in law enforcement, and other challenges.
“You truly see a person’s character during the most difficult and trying times, and what became clear was that Chief Howe had everything it took to lead our department, our officers, and our community through those challenges. I watched him every day making honest, ethical decisions that always prioritized what was best for our agency and community,” Woods said.
Chief Howe spoke only briefly, describing himself as humbled by the outpouring of support that he has experienced from the community since day one. He described his wife, Kaila, as his rock, and thanked her for her steadfast support throughout his time as Chief, and thanked family, friends and community members for their support.
“I have very mixed emotions, but it was time for me to move on,” Chief Howe said. “But there’s a lot of people I have to thank along the way. I have a lot of good memories, but I’m not going far. I’ll continue to be involved in the community and in public safety.”
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