WEYMOUTH, Mass. — A Weymouth Police officer has written a heartfelt thank you to the community for the support they showed following the death of Sergeant Michael Chesna, who was killed in the line of duty on July 15.
Officer Ed O’Brien last saw Sgt. Chesna two days before he was killed.
“[Chesna] had a very dry sense of humor that he used every day,” recalled O’Brien, who has been with the department for seven years. “Very fair. Just a great guy. I’m still in shock. The community lost a great police officer.”
Officer O’Brien’s letter has been shared more than two-thousand times on Facebook.
Full letter:
I wanted to take a second to thank all of the friends, family and strangers who have reached out this past week. This crimes impact was not only felt by the Weymouth Police Department but by the community as a whole. Mike was a squared away police officer above reproach. He came in every day and did his job. Everyone lost a hero this past week.
For those who have asked, Mikes badge number was 117. His radio call sign was Sierra 209 (S209) and the only cruiser he ever asked for was 854. All 3 numbers will be retired by the Weymouth Police Department in honor of Mike.
In closing I want to make a statement. Police Officers are not social workers, marriage counselors or drug rehabilitation specialists. For the past several years this country has decided to close rehabs, under fund social work agencies, band aid the mental health problem then expect those in law enforcement to "defuse", "counsel" and "cure" every ill that we come across. I am by no means speaking for ANYONE BUT MYSELF but If I tell you to take your hands out of your pockets, that's your one chance. If I tell you to stop talking, that's your one chance. If I tell you to take a seat, that's your one chance. I don't know you, you more than likely don't know me, and a rock caused my friend to be executed.
We make mistakes like everyone else. We're not perfect and we have bad apples like EVERY OTHER PROFESSION. This country has labeled and vilified police officers to the point that a SMALL but VOCAL portion of the public thinks that all Officers are crooked, uneducated and bullies. Take a look at the facts. None of that narrative is true and I'm done trying to apologize for it.
However, it was clear this week that Police Officers have support from the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of the public and that has helped me through this. To everyone who has reached out, donated to the Chesna Fund, dropped off food, cards and expressed their sympathy I am forever grateful.<br/>
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
