Members of the community and public safety officials gathered to thank retiring Police Chief Joseph O’Connor last month, wishing him well after 36 years in law enforcement and eight years leading the Concord Police Department.
Capt. Thomas Mulcahy is now serving as interim chief of the department.
About 75 attendees visited the Department Training Room for an informal reception on Dec. 22, 2022 to offer O’Connor hugs, handshakes, and well-wishes.
O’Connor began his law enforcement career in 1986 as a patrol officer for the Dennis Police Department. He also worked as a patrol officer in the Winchester Police Department before joining the MBTA Transit Police in 1990. With the Transit Police, O’Connor ascended to positions of increasing responsibility, eventually becoming superintendent-in-chief. He was hired to lead the Concord Police Department in 2014.
O’Connor championed modern and progressive approaches to policing throughout his career. He also demonstrated a strong commitment through growing bonds between residents and law enforcement community policing.
In brief remarks, O’Connor first thanked his wife, Lisa O’Connor.
“I would not be standing here today if it was not for her, and the many sacrifices over the years,” O’Connor said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.”
O’Connor credited residents and town leadership for their incredible support for the Department, making its work easier.
“It’s been a great community. It’s been an honor to serve here,” O’Connor said. “The officers put their hearts and souls into policing here. I can’t begin to list the accomplishments. There is a bright future.”
Select Board Member Henry Dane presented a proclamation thanking O’Connor for his service. Detective Keith Harrington of the Concord Police Relief Association presented a specially designed wall hanging bearing the Concord police badge.
Attendees included numerous Police Department officers and staff; Concord Fire Chief Tom Judge and Assistant Fire Chief Walter Latta; members of the Concord Select Board, Town Administration, and Town employees; Maynard Police Chief Michael Noble, Acton Deputy Police Chief James Cogan, Interim Carlisle Police Chief Kenneth Fong; Retired Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan, who worked as Concord’s Deputy Chief; Maynard Deputy Police Chief Christopher Troiano; and representatives of the Medford Police Department. O’Connor plans to spend more time with his family, especially his 17-month-old grandson.
