Lt. Thomas Hennessey Honored by Select Board After Nearly 30 Years of Service

The Select Board honored Lt. Thomas Hennessey, who retired after nearly 30 years of service with the Swampscott Police Department || Courtesy Photo

Police Lt. Thomas Hennessey was honored at Wednesday’s Select Board meeting for his service to the town following his retirement.

Swampscott Police Chief Ruben Quesada said Hennessey served on the police force for nearly three decades. Hennessey was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2020. The Select Board signed a citation recognizing his service to the town.

“If you know anything about Tom, Tom is one of the pride of Swampscott,” Quesada said.

Hennessey grew up in Swampscott, and Quesada said he “lives, eats, breathes everything” about the town.

“I always say Tom was the most intelligent person in the police department because he would always throw it in our face that he went to Georgetown,” Quesada joked. “But he didn’t want any recognition.”

Quesada said the Police Union tried to throw Hennessey a retirement party but he would not “want any part of it.”

“Tom has been a mainstay in our supervisory ranks for many years,” Quesada said. “He is the one who allowed us – and he wrote the grant – for our municipal road safety. He has just been incredible.”

Hennessey was honored multiple times with the Drive for Life Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The award is presented to a select number of officers across Massachusetts for excellence and leadership in drunk driving enforcement..

“Throughout his career, Lt. Hennessey has exemplified professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the residents of Swampscott,” the police department posted to Facebook. “He has mentored generations of officers in what it means to be a community shepherd who always fulfilled his duties with a heart of service, integrity, and respect. His impact on this department and our town will be felt for years to come.”

Quesada added that he “wouldn’t have been successful without Tom’s help.”

“Tom is a very modest individual. He is a man of high regard,” said Select Board Member Mary Ellen Fletcher. “He is a very honorable individual. I can tell you, as a resident here, knowing when he was working, I just knew we were incredibly safe all the time. He was incredibly dedicated.”