Tewksbury Police To Hold Farewell Reception For Chief Tim Sheehan

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury Police Department will hold a farewell reception for their outgoing chief, they announced Friday. Chief Tim Sheehan is leaving the department after more than 3 decades to take over as South Portland, Maine's chief, starting Jan. 13. The reception will be held at 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 3 at the Tewksbury Country Club, 1880 Main St.

The department asked that anyone who would like to make a presentation or say a few words about Sheehan contact Laura Custance at lcustance@tewksbury-ma.gov, by Thursday.

Sheehan has been the Tewksbury chief since 2009. In announcing his hire, South Portland praised Sheehan's record in his decade as chief, including "providing tactical support to the Boston Police Department in the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing" and serving as the "incident commander for the four-day statewide law enforcement mutual aid response to the 2018 Columbia Gas explosions and fires."

"As we prepare to say goodbye, we hold firm in the knowledge that we are far better for having his leadership and guidance this past decade," said Tewksbury Deputy Chief John Voto in a statement.

Sheehan released his own statement to the department shortly after the hire was announced.

"I expect to be here until just after the first of the new year and I intend on thanking each and every one of you personally for your hard work and dedication to this profession I love and to the community," Sheehan wrote. "We have a plan going forward that will allow all of you to continue to receive the support necessary to provide what I believe has been the best police service available."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.