NAHANT — It was an emotional day for the town as residents said goodbye to one police chief while welcoming another.
Robert Dwyer had been with the Nahant Police Department since 1991 and has been chief since 2010.
The ceremony was emotional for Dwyer, seeing that police officers from around the North Shore showed up for the chief on his final day.
“I didn’t expect this for one minute,” Dwyer said. “I figured I would see obviously some of my own officers, but to see Swampscott, Marblehead, State Police, Lynn Police — it’s overwhelming. It’s your last day in the office, you’re looking out the window and that’s it. One last exit of the building and you’re not going back. It’s kind of tough, but I’m very excited for the future of the PD. The officers that work with now-chief (Timothy) Furlong are great officers, and he’s got a solid foundation that he can build upon.”
Furlong is also a veteran of the department, though he has spent less time, 14 years, on the force compared to his predecessor. Similar to Dwyer, Furlong said that it was an overwhelming experience to be sworn in as chief.
“I’m truly humbled by the people who came from my past,” Furlong said. “This gentleman to my right was my police explorer advisor. Humbling, overwhelmed (and) very grateful for this opportunity.”
Town Manager Antonio Barletta spoke about both chiefs, saying that the two are exactly what residents want in a police chief.
“(Dwyer) lived and breathed the department, 24/7…the department was on his mind. He was doing whatever he could to improve the (department) and do his best for the town of Nahant.”
Barletta also mentioned how Dwyer started off as a patrolman, which is a valuable perspective according to the town manager.
“He knew what he wanted in a chief back then and he became that when he became the chief. He knew what was important to the patrolmen. He knew what needed to be done as a chief. As I said, he always put the town of Nahant first. It’s natural to have that success when your heart is in it.”
Barletta sees some of those same qualities in Furlong.
“(Furlong) is built the same way. He has a love for the town of Nahant. He cares for this community. He cares for the residents. He cares for the police officers that he works with and our neighboring communities.”
Barletta said that he has a lot of confidence in Furlong, and that Nahant is lucky to have him. Dwyer would agree with that sentiment.
“The town is in good hands.”
