Charlie Breitrose Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn.
Chief Michael Lawn will be retiring in early June after six years leading the Watertown Police Department and 32 years working for the WPD.
On April 19, Lawn sent a letter to acting Town Manager Tom Tracy informing him of his decision to retire on June 3, 2022.
“I started my career with the WPD on October 30, 1989. I have enjoyed my thirty-two plus years working for the WPD and serving the City of Watertown where I grew up,” the letter reads. “I had the added privilege of working along side my father, sister and nephew during various times of my career. I have had a great journey and have been honored to represent the men and women of the WPD as chief for the past six and a half years.”
Lawn said that he has always spoken about how the Watertown Police have served the community. He added that the last few years have been testing.
“Every time I spoke in public, I talked about the great things that the men and women in this department do for this community. They truly made my job as Chief so enjoyable,” Lawn wrote. “The last few years have been a very difficult time in policing and these men and women have rose above it all of it and continued to serve this community with great professionalism and dignity. As I leave, I want to make sure that this community knows how fortunate they are for having such a dedicated police force. I would hope that the community acknowledges this and gives them the support they deserve.”
He thanked all the police officers and civilian staff at the Watertown Police Department with whom he worked.
“Thank you for all you have done and I will cherish our friendships forever,” Lawn wrote.
Lawn also thanked former City Manager Michael Driscoll who appointed him chief and whom he calls a friend. He also acknowledged the department heads and employees he worked with in his time in Watertown.
Congrats Chief! Well deserved. Enjoy it…you have earned it!
A reminder that all comments must be signed with a full name.
This is a big loss for the community, at a time when we can least afford it.
Congratulations Mike. What a legacy. Love the connections with your family. Cheers
Congratulations Chief Lawn, we were fortunate to have your leadership and your love for the community was evident. Not many police leaders have the ability to do all aspects of Policing, but you did- a true Cops Cop. I wish you all the best in you next adventures.
Congrats Chief Lawn And thank-you for coming to Senior Center Ray and the dunking donuts.
We learned a lot from you about what was going on the town.Enjoy it you will be greatly missed.
Congratulations Mike ! Though I may be bias, Watertown has been fortunate to have such a great Police Department over the past many decades, and your leadership over the past 6 years. I was happy when you were appointed Chief of Police and though you will be missed, I am happier knowing that you will enjoy a well deserved retirement ! You were lucky to have worked with your Dad and when we occasionally chatted, though sometimes I couldn’t understand him, but, I loved his Irish brogue “barróg”, I do know how proud he was of you and how proud he would have been that you became the Chief of the same town and Police Department he loved, as you did too ! You gave 32 of your life serving Watertown, so, I wish you at least 32 years of retirement. I hope to still see you around Watertown. I wish you the very best.