LYNN — A retiring public servant in the city was honored for a decades-long career Thursday.
Lynn District Court Chief Court Officer John Nerich is retiring after 33 years serving the court system, 27 of which were in Lynn.
Nerich was surprised by a crowd of more than 100 friends, family, and colleagues who packed into Courtroom 2 of Lynn District Court.
“You see in such a short period of time how many people have come out. It speaks volumes about you,” First Justice Ina Howard-Hogan, who has known Nerich for 26 years, said to him. “We want to all thank you.”
Nerich was honored with citations from the Massachusetts Senate, House of Representatives, and the city, which were presented by Mayor Jared Nicholson. He was also honored by City Councilor Dianna Chakoutis, the Lynn Police Department, the Essex District Attorney’s Office, the Lynn District Court Probation Department, and the Lynn District Court Clerk’s office.
Assistant Chief Court Officer Michael Sorrenti has worked with Nerich for more than 23 years and said that the number of people who attended to support Nerich showed just how much of an impact he made in their careers.
He noted that after decades of working together, the bond between the two had grown from one of colleagues to one of friends.
“We worked very well together day in and day out,” Sorrenti said. “Our friendship has just grown exponentially… He’s shown me a lot.”
Nerich began his career working as a court officer at Hingham District Court, and went on to serve at several other courts across the Commonwealth before coming to Lynn.
Ned Tobin worked with Nerich as a fellow court officer when Nerich first started in Hingham in the early ’90s. He said he holds Nerich in higher regard than almost anyone else he has worked with.
“He was the best thing to ever happen to Lynn (District Court),” Tobin said. “He was spectacular.”
Nerich admitted that though he isn’t one for big displays, he was appreciative that so many of the people he worked with throughout his career came out on Thursday to honor him.
“This has always been my second home, my second family,” Nerich said. “Everyone I deal with in here has got me through a challenge or hurdle in life, and I’m appreciative for what everyone has done for me and for what I’ve been able to do for them.”
Members of several local police departments showed up at the courthouse to support Nerich, including Lynn Police Chief Chris Reddy.
“I can’t tell you, if you speak to any members of Lynn PD, the countless stories of John helping us do our job better, easier, solving problems, and just being professional,” Reddy said.
Nerich said he was looking forward to decompressing in retirement after spending decades keeping people at the courthouse safe and ensuring the court system operated smoothly.
“We wear many hats,” Nerich said. “We’re here to help facilitate and make sure that the wheels of justice move along at a reasonable speed.”
After he was honored, and at the request of Howard-Hogan, Nerich gave his final oyez to a standing ovation.
“All rise. Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye,” Nerich proclaimed. “All persons having anything to do before the Honorable Ina Howard-Hogan, presiding justice of the Lynn District Court, draw near, give your attention and you shall be heard. God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and this honorable court. Court is open. You may be seated.”
