Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley dies at age 60
This story will be updated.
Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley unexpectedly died Thursday night after a brief illness, according to the police department.
Greeley was well known in the communities where he worked as a police officer, but also from co-hosting on radio station WVOM as a fill-in on the George Hale/Ric Tyler show.
He joined Holden Police Department in 2007 as a patrol officer and worked his way to chief in September 2015.
“He truly understood community policing and cared deeply for the citizens of the town of Holden along with the people he worked with,” the police department said.
Greeley showed that caring for his community in several ways, including the 25 Days of Kindness that he began with a few hundred dollars and grew it to more than $25,000 last year, according to Holden police. The program provided residents with food, gift cards, paper products, presents and cash during December.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said in a statement that Greeley was an extraordinary law enforcement official and community leader, and leaves behind a powerful legacy of community service.
“I last saw Chris just two weeks ago, while he was guest co-hosting WVOM,” Collins said. “Through his words as well as his actions, Chris demonstrated his devotion to others, earning him the trust and admiration of his officers and the affection of the community. His passing is a tremendous loss not only to the Holden Police Department, but also to the entire region. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Donna, as well as his entire family and many friends.”
Greeley had worked for various Penobscot County police departments over his 32-year career, including Veazie, Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, Brewer and Holden.
“Chief Greeley’s humor, stories and personality will be missed greatly by those of us who have known him for many years,” the Holden Police Department said.