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Retired Police Chief Dennis Teehan Sr., 1991
A Lifetime of Dedication and Service: Reflections from Dedham's Own
The Flag Day Parade is a cherished tradition in Dedham, and this year, we are honored to introduce our Grand Marshal, a person whose dedication, achievements, and spirit truly embody the values we hold dear. With a lifetime of service and commitment to this community, Retired Police Chief Dennis Teehan Sr. stands as an inspiration about what it means to give back to the community. The Dedham Parks and Recreation Team had the pleasure of sitting down with Chief Teehan ahead of this year’s Flag Day Parade as he shared with his memories of growing up in Dedham, raising a family here, and rising through the ranks to become Police Chief in 1988. Here is what Chief Teehan had to say:
I was blessed to be brought up in Dedham, a town that shaped me and my family in countless ways. My mother, Mary Flanagan, was an East Dedham girl, and my father, Dennis William, hailed from Southie. They met at the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, a fitting start to a life rooted in tradition and community.
Together, they raised five children in Dedham, instilling in us the values of hard work and dedication. My father was a dedicated member of the Dedham Police Department and came very close to becoming Chief himself. When I was appointed Chief in 1988, he had tears in his eyes. He told me I made his life, and that meant everything to me.
My wife, Marie, and I were married in 1976, and we have lived in Oakdale since then. Reflecting on nearly 48 years of marriage, I am grateful for our journey together. We have two wonderful children: Dennis Jr., a physician, and Lisa, a nurse on the front lines. Their achievements fill us with pride. Our grandchildren—Courtney, Rosie, Denny, Addie, and another blessing on the way—are the joys of our lives.
My career with the Dedham Police Department spanned almost 34 years, starting in 1972. I became Chief in 1988, a role I approached with a belief that the most important resource in any organization is its personnel. I was fortunate to work with many outstanding officers. Together, we reduced crime in Dedham significantly. For example, car thefts dropped from over 700 stolen cars a year to just 133 in a few years.
One of my proudest moments was nominating Michael Buckley Jr. for the Hannah Award for bravery, which he won, bringing honor to our department. We placed a strong emphasis on traffic enforcement and built great relationships with other town departments, especially the schools.
In 1998, I served as President of the Massachusetts Police Chiefs, a proud individual achievement. I also served a two-year tenure on the Board of Selectmen. One of my biggest accomplishments was ensuring that Legacy Place became a reality instead of a series of strip malls. The revenue it generated has financed several capital expenditures for the town, including a new police station.
Today's police officers face tougher challenges than ever before. As a man of faith, I believe support for our officers is returning, and I pray for their continued strength and resilience. Without excellent police officers, our cities and towns could fall into chaos.
It is an incredible honor to be named Grand Marshal of the Flag Day Parade.
Reflecting on my life, I feel immense gratitude for the experiences and people that have shaped my journey. Dedham has always been home, and I am proud to have served this community for so many years.
2024 Flag Day Parade
Join us on Monday, June 17 at 6:00PM* for Dedham's Annual Flag Day Parade and see Chief Teehan kick it off! (*New date due to inclement weather.)
For more information, including a map of the parade route, please visit www.dedham-ma.gov/flag_day.
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