Chief O'Leary Commended for Work in Foxborough Schools

FOXBOROUGH, MA — From playing Officer Friendly to becoming the Chief of Police, the soon to be retired Ed O’Leary certainly has a good history when it comes to the Foxborough Public School.

The school committee congratulated O’Leary on his retirement during last Monday’s school committee meeting. O’Leary was given a letter of thanks and a school shirt.

"I feel embarrassed because I certainly appreciate hearing from the school committee but there are times I feel I don’t do enough,” O’Leary said.

“On the occasion of your upcoming and well-deserved retirement, the Foxborough School Committee and I would like to thank you most sincerely for the decades of devoted and exceptional service to the children and families in the Foxborough Public School,” Spinelli said, reading from the letter. "From the good old days as Officer Friendly to your many years as chief, you have faithfully served students, faculty, and administrators so well."

A Foxborough-native, O’Leary was named the police chief in 1985. During his career, he worked in the schools, at one point playing the Officer Friendly character.

“I truly appreciate the thought the effort the superintendent’s office put in. I really appreciate the partnerships I've had with the people in the room and with the schools over the years," O’Leary said.

O’Leary’s last day as the chief of police is Sept. 30.

Image: Patch file photo