Boston Police officer Eddy Chrispin has been on the watch for more than 30 years, a vigilant and respected leader in the department. But, on Tuesday afternoon— the day of his retirement from the force— Chrispin was caught off guard as scores of friends, colleagues, family members and admirers gathered in St. Gregory’s auditorium for a surprise party in his honor.
Sgt. Det. Chrispin has been a leading voice for his fellow police officers as the former leader of the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers (MAMLEO). He rose to the rank of deputy superintendent within the BPD command staff, but ends his career as a sergeant detective, the result of a dispute with the current administration over his role as an appointee to the state’s Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) board.
On Tuesday, Chrispin entered the gymnasium— which is home to the St. John Paul II Catholic Academy’s Lower Mills campus— to cheers and hugs.
Officer Eddy Chrispin with SJP Lower Mills student Harlem Williams – who presented him with a retirement gift from the school. Seth Daniel photo
As he waded through a line of fellow police officers – shaking hands and embracing each of them – his happiness turned to tears as he greeted his sister, Pascale and many people who stood beside him through his career.
“This is more than 30 years of dedication, and you are leaving on your own terms,” said Councillor Julia Mejia, one of several elected officials at Tuesday’s gathering.
Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune, who is Haitian American like Chrispin, said: “Eddy is not just one of the good ones, he’s exceptional. We are losing as a city with you not on board. I know this is not the end for you, but only the end of this chapter.”
In his own brief remarks, Chrispin reflected on his service and decision to step down from the BPD. He said his decision to take a demotion in rank rather than step down from the POST board was a turning point, but one that he doesn’t regret.
“Two years ago, I was presented with an incredibly hard decision,” he said. “I thought my career was going in the right direction…In that moment I never had a doubt in my mind what decision I was going to make. Everybody here knows what that decision was and if I had done anything else but make that decision, I could not stand in front of you today as a man.
“I would say that I don’t know if I’d have made that decision 10 or 20 years ago, but at that moment I had the ability to make that decision and I have not thought for one second since then if I made the wrong decision,” he continued. “No change happens with one person and no one person can create change. None of us got here on our own…In those moments when we’re challenged about things like ethics, values, morals, and things instilled by those who raised us, just remember others had to face a lot more obstacles…Love each other and continue being there for each other.”
Chrispin’s remarks drew a huge ovation from those gathered, including St. Grgeory’s pastor Rev. Jack Ahern.
“Here is a man of great character and principal. There are thousands more on the streets in this city beyond this room that he has impacted enormously. We know his best days are ahead of him,” said Fr. Ahern, shown speaking above.
The current MAMLEO President, Sgt. Jeff Lopes, called Chrispin was a mentor to hundreds of young officers who were navigating their own careers in the police department.
“He is a remarkable man and my mentor,” said Lopes. “It was never about rank for him, but always about being for the people…He’s been the resounding voice in the room to say we can do things, and we can sit in the room with people that don’t look like us and have a conversation. When you’re looking at law enforcement, Eddy Chrispin is the model.”
Chrispin’s path to policing— he graduated college and studied law before joining the force in the 1990s – influenced many in the department and the larger community.
Councillor Brian Worrell admired him for his vision for community policing.
“You have taken community policing to a whole other level and that it’s not just interacting with people on the street, but you brought it to policy,” he said. “You took community policing to a policy level and the city is forever indebted to you for that.”
State Rep. Chris Worrell indicated the Legislature intends to help fund a planned rebuilding project of the MAMLEO headquarters on Columbia Road in an upcoming bond bill.
“We will take that up on July 8 and make sure $5 million is set aside for MAMLEO and that new building will contain an Eddy Chrispin Room for your legacy,” said Rep. Worrell.
The afternoon’s program was capped off by a last call over the police dispatch radio thanking Chrispin for his many years serving the department, including at Districts E-18, B-3, B-2, media relations, and as deputy superintendent.
“He’s been a tireless advocate for engagement in policing, accountability and meaningful police reform,” said the dispatcher. “He is a respected leader, mentor, and colleague whose insistence on integrity and doing what is right has left a lasting impression. Eddy Chrispin on behalf of the men and women of the Boston Police Department and the city you have faithfully served, thank you for more than three decades of service.”
Captions –
Seth Daniel photos
Dep. Supt. Nicole Grant, SJP Lower Mills Principal Lisa Warshafsky, Officer Derek Green, and Dept. Supt. Nora Baston. Seth Daniel photo
Tasia Zayas and little Jariah Coakley greeted Officer Chrispin. Seth Daniel photo
Officer Chrispin embraces Daphney Orion, who helped organize the party and served as the emcee. Seth Daniel photo
Janine Busby, of the Boston Police, greets Officer Chrispin. Seth Daniel photo
Councillors Julia Mejia, Ruthzee Louijeune, and Brian Worrell honored Chrispin with citations for a job well done. Seth Daniel photo
