Dick Gendron

by Lynne Ober

Originally hired by then Hudson Police Chief Charles Foster in 1978, Police Chief Dick Gendron is still working 26 years later for the benefit of all Hudson citizens. Gendron joined the Hudson Police Department as a part-time patrol officer. “I have always been very grateful to Chief Foster for allowing me the opportunity to become a police officer,” he said.

A year after he was hired, Gendron became a full-time police officer. In 1983, while a patrolman, he provided back-up for the Tyngsboro, Massachusetts police during a homicide. “He earned a commendation for his professionalism and courage for his work,” said Captain Bill Pease. Gendron has earned rewards and commendations throughout his career.

“Today, the Hudson, New Hampshire Police Department is known throughout the state as one of the most professional and that’s due to Dick’s vision, leadership and hard work,” said Pease. Throughout the police department, you hear praise from staff for Gendron and his leadership.

Gendron worked for four different Hudson Police Chiefs before becoming Chief himself. “All four had different styles of management and philosophies, but I can honestly say that I learned something from each and every one of them,” Gendron stated.

For most police officers, the dream of becoming chief of their own department glimmers brightly in the future and they eagerly accept the position, but Gendron had a differing view. Did he want to be a Police Chief? Yes, but when the opportunity beckoned in the early 1990s, he was a Detective Sergeant and thought that it was too early. He did, however, accept the position of Acting Police Chief – a position that he held for two and a half years. In February, 1992, the Town Council gave him a Proclamation of Appreciation for his work as Acting Chief.

Gendron eventually accepted the position as Chief, and the rest, as they say, is history. Reflecting on that decision, he said, “The average tenure for a Hudson Police Chief is about 3.6 years. As you may recall, I was very reluctant accepting the appointment but the Town Council and Board of Selectmen have been very supportive of my efforts to transform the Hudson Police Department into a police agency that is Community Orientated and responsive to the needs of the people.”

“He had to make tough decisions,” said Town Administrator Steve Malizia, “and he made them. The department is very well recognized for its professionalism and forward thinking. He’s brought a lot of wonderful things to Hudson and to the department.”

When he first joined the department, Hudson was a small town. As Hudson grew, so did the department. Under Gendron’s leadership the department has established good working relations not only with other police departments, but also with the Hudson Fire Department and the School District.

Hudson Fire Chief Shawn Murray recalls first working with Dick when he was an Assistant Fire Chief. Today, the two departments continue to work closely together. “Dick and I have built a good working relationship. Dick's service to the Town and his years of experience allow him to provide a well rounded perspective on joint projects we work on and in addressing matters of public safety.” Explaining how they work together, Murray continues, “We meet on a regular basis to discuss public safety issues and how we can improve our services to the public. The radio interoperability project, [a project that would allow Police and Fire personnel to communicate directly over radios,] is one example of Dick's dedication to providing for the safety of citizens and his employees. The Town of Hudson is fortunate to have such a long term employee who has dedicated his career to making Hudson a better place.”

Gendron exudes calmness and thoughtfulness in a professional manner. That attitude is pervasive throughout the police department and makes it easier for his staff to do their own work. “He’s great to work for,” said Dorothy Carey, his secretary. “He’s very fair.”

Captain Ray Mello talks about Gendron’s work with state legislative committees. “They frequently ask his opinion and ask him to testify on various matters. He’s known as a good resource throughout all the state. He’s a respected member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and other Chiefs look to him as a resource.”

On August 3, 1995 the new Police station opened. Last year the Animal Control Facility opened. Gendron and Murray continue to work with Selectmen on increasing cooperation between fire and police personnel. Combined Dispatch and Radio Interoperability projects are under development. Although Radio Interoperability did not achieve the needed super-majority in last March’s election, it did receive a majority – thanks, in part, to work done by both Gendron and Murray.

The Hudson Police Department, under Gendron, is a member of the New England Community Police Crime Prevention Partnership. “Being a partner is the community is very important to us,” said Gendron.

Between October 3 and December 17, 1999 Gendron attended the 199th session of the National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. “We learned so much,” said Gendron of his experience. While there, Gendron accepted the optional challenge of earning a Yellow Brick. “There’s a Marine training course. You have to crawl under barbwire, climb rocks and ropes, repel down ropes and run. You actually run two miles to the course and two miles back from the course,” Gendron smiled. “The first time you go over the course, you think no way. This is impossible, but you keep practicing. Some of my classmates were injured from accidents on the course. It’s tough.” Tough it may be, but today a bright yellow brick inscribed with “The Yellow Brick Award,” sits on a shelf in Gendron’s office.

It was Gendron’s vision that led the Hudson Police Department to achieve National Accreditation. “He budgeted for training and seminars and made sure that all of his men could meet all the standards,” said Malizia. “It took a couple of years to raise the skill level of department members. Remember they had to work as well as train.” But all of that training paid off.

The Hudson Police Department earned their national accreditation. “We are the best department they’ve ever assessed,” said Pease proudly. “We passed all the items with flying colors and that’s a tribute to the man at the top who made it possible for all of us.”

As Gendron passes his 26th year of service to Hudson, his staff and all of Hudson hopes that he will be with us many more years.