Hundreds Bid Farewell to Retired Attleboro Police Chief

There were tears of sadness and smiles of joy during a farewell party for Attleboro Police Chief Richard Pierce, who retired in November after more than 30 years on the force. 

Pierce was recognized for his decades of service to the force and for his support of other law enforcement programs, including his involvement with the Special Olympics, where he helped lead the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Sen. Scott Brown, Sen. James Timilty, Rep. Betty Poirier and Rep. George Ross were just a handful of people among hundreds who attended the retirement party to thank Pierce for his years of service to the Attleboro Police. 

Pierce acknowledged his children, grandchildren and parents, but took a moment to especially thank his wife, Cynthia, for the years she stood by him and accepted his duty to the department. 

"She has definitely been the rock in our family," Pierce said. 

The retired chief said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by the community and his fellow law enforcement and public safety brothers, which included Attleboro's retired fire chief, Ronald Churchill, recently retired Pawtucket Police Chief George Kelley III , Norton Police Officer James Franco and the many more police officers and firefighters who were present.