John W. Troxell
Series: Weston Voices
John Troxell served as Weston’s Chief of Police from 2008 until retiring in 2017. He had known he wanted to be a policeman from a young age and got his wish in 1980, when he joined the force part-time at age 22. In this extended interview Troxell talks about growing up, “learning experiences” with the police, and early mentors on the force. Also, what it takes to be a good policeman here, the need to compartmentalize the tragedies he’s witnessed, dealing with town officials, and much more. In the end, he says, “the best part of the job was seeing that you can actually help somebody.”
Portrait by Julie O'Conner
Complete Videos: Part 1,Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
Photo album
John Troxell's mother, Jackie, and father, Dick at a recent anniversary party.
First grade, Plimpton School, Walpole, Massachusetts.
Flanked by sisters Julie (left) and Susan. Walpole, Massachusetts, circa 1964.
At the floor of the Grand Canyon alongside Althea, the mule, during a family trip in 1973.
First job: working on the cleaning crew at the high school in 1976.
Junior year photo, Weston High School
Posing in front of his 1969 Chevelle SS on his graduation day, June, 1977.
Flanked by sisters Julie (left) and Susan, circa 1979.
Sworn in as a Weston police officer, February 25th, 1981 with his mentor Chief Joseph McAleenan looking on.
Graduating from the Police Academy, July 1981.
With daughter Chelsea during the Weston leg of the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, June 1996
The Weston Police Department delegation to a funeral for a fallen New York City police officer, 2015.
The Weston Police Department delegation to another funeral for a fallen New York City police officer in 2015.
Weston Police Commission recognition plaque presented upon his retirement.
First day at John's new house on Glory Road in Weston, 2016. From left to right: John and his dog "Smoochy", daughter Hayley Troxell & her son Nathaniel Weeman; John's wife Jackie Troxell & John's grandson Miley Fredericks; daughter Chelsea Fredericks and her husband Darryl Fredericks with their daughter Kylie Fredericks.