Retired Tewksbury Police Officer Earns Degree at Merrimack College

It's safe to say that Dennis Peterson is keeping busy following his retirement from the Tewksbury Police Department.

Peterson, who retired in 2007 and previously served on the Tewksbury School Committee for nine years, recently earned his bachelors degree from Merrimack College where he is the Deputy Police Chief.

Merrimack College students earned their diplomas during a May ceremony, but Peterson was unable to walk across the stage due to his duties as Deputy Chief. But the following Monday, President Christopher Hopey presented Peterson with his diploma at an employee recognition event.

“It is always good to feel appreciated,” Peterson said, according to the school.

Peterson earned an associates degree from Middlesex Community College while working for the Tewksbury Police Department, but always wanted to receive his bachelors degree as well.

So while at Merrimack College, Peterson studied to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Socio-Political Context of Crime.

“My involvement with the School Committee encouraged me to continue working towards my goal of a degree,” Peterson said. “I appreciated every class and learned so much.”