Stoughton Police Lt. John Bonney. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)
**To view and download video of Lt. John Bonney’s send-off, click here.**
STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara wishes to recognize the 22-year career of Police Lt. John Bonney as he leaves the Stoughton Police Department to become the Police Chief in Abington.
“This is a huge loss for the Town of Stoughton, but we are thrilled for Lt. Bonney to take this next step in his career as a Police Chief,” said Chief McNamara. “The town is indebted to Lt. Bonney for his years of commendable service and we will miss his leadership and sense of humor.”
Bonney went to the police academy in 2002 and began his career with the Stoughton Police Department as a patrol officer in 2003.
He began serving as the juvenile officer in July 2007, investigating crimes involving minors, acting as the juvenile court prosecutor, investigating sexual assaults and serving on the drug unit.
In July 2008, Bonney was promoted to patrol sergeant. He was responsible for patrol division assignments, acted as the shift commander and overhauled field training and mentoring operations within the department.
Bonney was promoted to acting lieutenant in 2013, then permanent lieutenant in 2017. He served as the day shift commander, the department’s public information officer and oversaw critical incidents.
During his career, Bonney received numerous awards, including five Police Commendations, five Meritorious Service Awards, one Public Service Award and a Lifesaving Medal.
As the department’s public information officer, Bonney was known for bringing a light-hearted tone to his work, particularly on social media — from his dancing and dabbing at the Fourth of July parade to a “Bad Boys” lip dub video and humorous weather-related posts.
On Thursday, Bonney’s last day of service for the Stoughton Police Department, he received a send-off that included remarks over the police radio from Stoughton Police Sgt. Roger Hardy and Bonney’s children, Caelyn and Liam.
“Lt. Bonney’s biggest accomplishment is being a family man and his love for his wife, Michelle, and his two children — Liam and Caelyn,” said Sgt. Hardy. “Lt. Bonney, although we will miss your humor to the community on the department Facebook posts, the men and women of the Stoughton Police Department will miss your leadership.”
“Hey Dad, it’s Liam and Caelyn,” said Liam Bonney. “We just wanted to let you know that we appreciate you and we thank you for your dedication to the Town of Stoughton, SPD and to your family especially. I know you’ll do great in Abington. You were born to be a leader and we’re proud of you.”
“Hi Dad, it’s Caelyn,” said Caelyn Bonney. “I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. I love you so much. Congratulations.”
A 1994 graduate of Stoughton High School, Bonney received his bachelor’s degree from Framingham State College and a master’s degree from Western New England College.
“I would like to thank the men and women of the Stoughton Police Department for 22 incredible years. I want to assure our community that the future of this agency is bright,” said Lt. Bonney. “The men and women in this building today are a beacon of strength and resiliency. My send-off on Thursday was first class and full of emotion.”
“I am extremely excited to start my next chapter in Abington,” Lt. Bonney said. “The department and community have been so welcoming to me and I can’t wait to get started.”
Bonney will begin as the Police Chief in Abington on Monday, Sept. 9.
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