The NEMLEC Police Foundation, Inc., is pleased to announce that it has honored Waltham Officer Charles “Chuck” DiChiara, who recently retired from the NEMLEC SWAT and Rapid Response Team after 32 years of service.
DiChiara was honored during the Foundation’s Comedy Night on Friday, Oct. 28, at Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut. DiChiara is a statewide Defensive Tactics Coordinator for the Municipal Police Training Committee, and a Master Instructor in areas including defensive tactics, firearms, use of force, physical fitness, and patrol tactics.
“If you are in this room and are in law enforcement, Chuck DiChiara has reached out and touched you in some way,” said retired Dracut Deputy Police Chief Stephen Chaput, a former NEMLEC SWAT commander who served with DiChiara for 30 years. “In Massachusetts, New England, and even nationwide, no one is as recognized as Chuck.”
DiChiara thanked his family and former SWAT team members.
“Chuck has been a guiding force for so many years, and an inspirational teacher and leader to countless first responders,” said Foundation Director Sharon Crowley. “His tenacious work ethic, professionalism, knowledge, and loyalty will be sorely missed by all.”
The event raised more than $10,700. These proceeds will assist NEMLEC’s training programs, including NEMLEC SWAT/RRT/K9 training, NEMLEC Motor Unit Annual training, NEMLEC STARS training, basic and advanced criminal investigation trainings, school and business safety summits, and active shooter trainings. The programs are available to officers in the NEMLEC region, which is comprised of 65 law enforcement agencies in Middlesex and Essex counties.
The money also will be used to support local charities, including Cops for Kids with Cancer, which supports families who are struggling with childhood cancer.
The Foundation thanks its Gold Sponsor, LensLock, Inc., which specializes in body-worn and in-car dash cameras and cloud management systems for the law enforcement community.
The Foundation also wishes to recognize the following Comedy Night Silver Sponsors: Washington Savings Bank, Geary & Geary, LLP, Bammco Concrete Construction, Lincoln Police Association, and Michael and Cindy Kuenzler.