Today, the North Reading Police Department congratulates Lieutenant Derek Howe as he retires following 30 years of dedicated service to our Department and the North Reading community.
For Lt. Howe, a commitment to service began long before he became a North Reading Police Officer. Raised here in North Reading, Derek joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18, serving from 1988 to 1992 and attaining the rank of Corporal. In November 1995, he returned to serving his hometown when he began his career with the North Reading Police Department.
Over the next three decades, Lt. Howe became an important part of the growth and professional development of our Department. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2010 and Lieutenant in 2023, ultimately serving as Patrol Commander and Training Coordinator and as a member of the Department’s Command Staff.
Throughout his career, Derek developed a reputation for being exceptionally prepared, knowledgeable, and professional. He became a recognized resource in use of force and defensive tactics, served as an MPTC instructor, and dedicated countless hours to training, mentoring, and developing other officers. He also served as an integral member of the Department’s accreditation team, contributing significantly to the North Reading Police Department’s efforts to achieve and maintain nationally recognized accreditation standards. His commitment to officer safety, training, and professional policing has had a lasting impact on our Department.
His service extended well beyond the walls of the police station. Over the years, Lt. Howe worked closely with our senior citizens and veterans, participated in school safety and threat assessment initiatives, oversaw firearms licensing, served in community services, and provided training to community groups and Town employees on threat mitigation and workplace violence. He also represented NRPD as a liaison to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
While his list of accomplishments is long, Lt. Howe’s greatest contribution may be the influence he has had on the people around him. He has been a mentor, teacher, role model, trusted colleague, and friend to many. He never sought recognition for his efforts, instead focusing on helping others, improving the profession, and leaving the Department better than he found it.
After 30 years, Lt. Howe leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the officers he trained and mentored, the supervisors he helped develop, the professional standards he helped establish, and the community relationships he helped build.
On behalf of the entire North Reading Police Department, we thank Lieutenant Derek Howe for his friendship, leadership, professionalism, and three decades of dedicated service to North Reading.
Congratulations on your retirement, Derek. You have certainly earned it, and we wish you nothing but the best in the years ahead.
