Rainsford Deware announces retirement as Lyndeborough police chief

By DAVID ALLEN

For the Ledger-Transcript

Published: 09-26-2024 11:56 AM

Lyndeborough has a better relationship with its police department than it did before Rainsford Deware became chief 11 years ago, according to the Board of Selectmen.

The announcement at the board’s Sept. 18 meeting drew an ovation from those in attendance. Deware said that he departs with a sense that he has “built a strong, trustworthy, professional and efficient” department, and that he is grateful for the support that the town and board offered him over the years. 

Deware’s 36 years in law enforcement began part-time in Milford, but he said, “It was part-time, but actually full-time when you consider all the hours you end up putting in.”

When he took the top job in Lyndeborough in 2013, it was in the wake of the town’s legal battle with former Police Chief James Basinas. who was removed from his post in 2007. Discontent with the state of affairs prompted the entire force in town to walk off the job at one point and nearby towns withdrew their mutual aid to Lyndeborough. The town ultimately took the step of eliminating the position of chief.

“You’ve rebuilt community policing,” Selectman Mark Chamberlain told Deware.

Deware admitted that the town took a chance on appointing him chief after coming over from Milford’s force two years earlier. In a letter announcing his decision, Deware stated he believes that he’s “rebuilt the broken rapport and relationships with the leaders of the town,” and with neighboring communities. 

Selectman Fred Douglas agreed with this assessment, calling Deware “a credit to his profession.” 

Reflecting on his years with Lyndeborough, Deware is grateful for the outpouring of support he received following his wife’s sudden passing three years ago. He noted some changes that have also informed this decision.

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“The children are grown, and I’ve remarried,” he said.

Lyndeborough has yet to officially post the position of chief. Deware will be on the job until Dec. 22, and Selectman Bob Howe suggested that the search for a new chief will be made public shortly.

“You have a great reputation in town,” Howe told Deware as the board rose to shake hands with him.

As for the next chapter, Deware summed it up with one word outside Citizens’ Hall following his announcement – “skiing.”