Chief Richard Howe (center) holds a plaque prepared for him by the Tyngsborough Police Department as he celebrates his retirement at Old Town Hall. Howe is flanked by the Tyngsborough Police Honor Guard and Deputy Chief Shaun Woods, who will take over as acting chief. Courtesy photo/Tyngsborough Police Department

TYNGSBOROUGH, Mass. — Chief Richard Howe has retired having served 29 years with Tyngsborough Police Department.

Deputy Chief Shaun Woods will serve as acting chief until the Select Board appoints a successor.

Howe joined the Police Department in 1995 and rose through the ranks over the years. He was promoted to sergeant in 1999, to lieutenant in 2011 and to acting chief and then chief in 2015.

Town Manager Colin Loiselle noted the length of Howe’s career with the town and laid out many of his accomplishments.

“In his time with the department, Chief Howe has overseen the department’s accreditation efforts, established the town’s first School Resource Officer program, worked to develop and launch a co-response model and behavioral health initiatives, and installed a community policing mindset in all those who serve the Tyngsborough Police Department,” Loiselle said during Howe’s retirement celebration on Sept. 25. “In doing all of this, Chief Howe has fostered positive relationships with town officials, town staff, members of the department and most of all residents of Tyngsborough.”

Loiselle also said Howe, whose late brother was disabled, is a founding member of the Tyngsborough Commission of Disability.

“Aside from being a top-notch police officer and professional, Chief Howe is a great person,” said Loiselle. “His empathy and compassion are evident in all he does, and because he leads by example, they’re evident in the men and women who serve Tyngsborough every day.”

Select Board Chairman Eric Eldridge mentioned Howe’s ties to the community, which include the Rotary Club and the Commission on Disability.

“His unwavering commitment to public safety and community engagement have really left an indelible mark on the entire town of Tyngsborough, and has really led a transformation of the department into a modern police department that all of us can be proud of,” said Eldridge.

State Rep. Colleen Garry presented Howe with a citation from the House of Representatives, while Sen. Ed Kennedy’s District Director Dominik Lay presented Howe with a citation from the state Senate.

Fire Chief Wes Russell recalled meeting Howe early in their careers. At the time, Howe was a sergeant and the town’s deputy director of emergency management, allowing him to work closely with Russell.

“Over the years, I’ve watched him demonstrate the leadership that he’s shown to everyone, and I have a great appreciation for everything he’s done for the Tyngsborough Police Department,” said Russell. “We’ve evolved our two departments to work together seamlessly, and I have a great appreciation for that.”

Russell also noted that Howe obtained a Master’s degree and his law degree while serving as police chief to better himself and improve his leadership abilities.

Woods recounted the 2,192 days that he served as Howe’s deputy chief, dealing with significant personnel issues and changes in law enforcement.

“You truly see a person’s character during the most difficult and trying times, and what became clear was that Chief Howe had everything it took to lead our department, our officers, and our community through those challenges,” said Woods. “I watched him every day making honest, ethical decisions that always prioritized what was best for our agency and community.”

Howe said he was humbled by the outpouring of support that he has experienced from the community since day one. He described his wife, Kaila, as his rock, and thanked her for her steadfast support throughout his time as chief, and thanked family, friends and community members for their support.

“I have very mixed emotions, but it was time for me to move on,” said Howe. “But there’s a lot of people I have to thank along the way. I have a lot of good memories, but I’m not going far. I’ll continue to be involved in the community and in public safety.”