The retirement party for three great men on Oct. 17 was touching and I couldn’t be any prouder to be in the law enforcement family.
I am most proud, of course of my husband. And as a proud wife who ferociously defends and support my husband and all those who wear the badge, I also come with bragging rights.
My husband had many commendations for being a fine police officer. He saved a choking woman at the Antique Table responding as the closest first responder in that area.
He saved people from a potential threat of fire at 112 Burrill St. in the wee hours after Christmas. While on patrol, he noticed smoke rising up from a lamp in a home financing business on the first floor caused by someone firing a BB gun through the window and knocking a window blind onto a halogen lamp.
On another occasion, his quick response with fellow police officers to a medical crisis drew praise from a Swampscott resident who was so grateful for their professionalism, sensitivity and understanding.
He even does his job when we’re on vacation. He spotted a well-dressed man sitting on a wall as thousands of commuters poured in and out of busy Victoria Station.
As we were crossing the street, my husband recognized right away that the man had died and sought out someone official to assist. He performed CPR while we were vacationing in the Philippines and although efforts were futile, the man’s relatives were thankful for his effort.
I have many more stories about my husband’s tenure as a police officer written on commendation letters, cards and stories from people. I can honestly say he is retiring with his head held up high!
He came to this job with a passion to protect and to serve and he did it with flying colors!
Congratulations to my husband, Officer Mark J. Steadman and Sgt. Richard McCarriston and Officer John R. Cassidy. I am retiring as a police officer’s wife. However, my vocation to fearlessly and ferociously support and defend those who protect and serve will remain intact.
Belle Notario Steadman