Chief Cunningham’s farewell letter to Wellesley community

 

From Terrence Cunningham, Wellesley Police Chief, who is moving on.

After much thought and deliberation, I am announcing my retirement from the Wellesley Police Department after over 30 years as a Wellesley police officer and 17 years as the Chief of Police. My retirement will be effective later this winter.

Following my retirement, I will be beginning a new chapter in my career, and am honored to accept a position as the Deputy Executive Director at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), where I just finished my term as President for the past year and have been an active member for 17 years.

The decision was a difficult one. Wellesley has been my home for the majority of my life and I wear the Wellesley uniform with a great sense of pride. Serving the citizens of Wellesley in this noble profession has been a true honor. The brave men and women that I have had the pleasure to serve alongside represent the best of the profession. Their commitment to Wellesley, to safeguarding the public, and to the job is unwavering. The past and present officers of the Wellesley Police Department have touched my life, and their extraordinary service and commitment will be with me always.

I would like to thank our Board of Selectmen for their support and for allowing me to serve as Chief and as a member of the IACP Executive Board. I would also like to thank them for their dedication to this Town. 

Lastly, I would also like to thank the residents of Wellesley. The support I, and the officers of the Wellesley Police Department, have received from the community over the years has been overwhelming. I want to assure you that this department and the ideals it represents will be in good hands.

I look forward to my new role as Deputy Executive Director of the IACP, and am truly blessed to have been a member of this outstanding department and to call Wellesley my home for over five decades.