After three decades serving the Town of Pembroke, Police Chief Rick Wall has announced his retirement.
Wall told the Select Board he will be retiring on September 19th.
“I’ve thought about this for a long time, it’s probably been in the works for two years. Over the last two years I’ve worked with my staff to get them prepared to take over, so the transition should be seamless,” said Wall. “It just seems like at this time in my life, it’s time to take that next step.”
Wall has served as Chief for the past eight years, and has been with the department for 34 years. He feels the right people are in place to ensure a strong future for the department.
The Board was unanimous in voicing support for Wall, including Chairman Dan Trabucco.
“Your model of community policing, a lot of people around the country are clamoring for that, and you have been doing that,” said Trabucco. “You’re in the vanguard of that movement and you’ve done a wonderful job.”
“I think few people in town actually know what you’ve done in terms of Plymouth County Outreach and your outreach with social workers to deal with people with drug addiction,” added Board member Becky Coletta. “The work you’ve done in being part of establishing a hub model that indeed, is one of the first counties in the country to adopt a hub model to connect policing to social services.”
Wall wanted to thank the townspeople for their unwavering support.
“Every Town Meeting, everything that I’ve needed, they’ve been there. I’d like to thank the Board of Selectmen for your support. It’s nice to know that your boss has got your back,” said Wall. “I’d like to thank all the people that I’ve worked with and under over the last 34 years. Can’t do it without them.”
The Board will discuss the next steps at the next meeting.
