LYNN — Charlie Griffin, a former police officer and veteran of the Marine Corps, was the recipient of the Veterans Council’s Patriot Award this year.
The award honors a member of the community who has dedicated their life to service. The year before, the award was given to David Solimine Sr.
Solimine said Griffin spearheaded the effort to install the Bradley Campus Memorial at Clark Street Playground — one of the reasons he was nominated for the award.
Griffin, who accepted the award Tuesday, said it was a “complete surprise.”
He noted the years of dedication Solimine has put into helping veterans.
“For me to be kind of put in the same class as him for helping veterans was just an unbelievable honor,” he said.
During an acceptance speech in Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office, Griffin thanked his wife, Cathy, and his family, who were beaming throughout the ceremony.
He said he served for 41 years — eight as a Marine and 33 as an officer of the Police Department.
“It was always about helping people, especially people that couldn’t help themselves. Selfless service is all I know,” Griffin said.
Griffin added that after he retired, it felt natural to become a member of the council because he still wanted to help people.
During the ceremony, Veterans Council President Charles Dineen surprised Economic Development and Industrial Corporation Executive Director Jim Cowdell, the first recipient of the Patriot Award, with an upgraded trophy.
When Cowdell first received the award, the council did not yet have a design for the trophy, which resembles a silver eagle.
Cowdell received the award for his work organizing the Freedom Fish event, a veterans’ fishing derby that raises approximately $20,000 for veterans annually.
“Whatever we can do for veterans, it would not only be what we should do, but it would be our privilege,” Cowdell said.
