What to Know
- Weymouth Officer Michael Chesna was shot and killed during a struggle with suspect Emanuel Lopes on Sunday morning, according to officials.
- Chesna has been posthumously promoted to position of sergeant.
- A vigil was held Monday night for Sgt. Chesna at the Weymouth High School football field.
Among the bagpipes, the Honor Guard, and the American flags, heartbroken family members and friends stood in the middle of the Weymouth High School football field Monday night at a vigil for fallen Weymouth Police Officer Michael Chesna and Vera Adams.
Hundreds of members of the community packed the stadium bleachers, and more lined the fence along the track in what was an overwhelming turnout.
It seemed like most of Weymouth wanted to take part in Monday night’s vigil.
Many just wanted to show their support and honor Chesna, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday morning.
"Police have had enough bad mouthing," said Ann Gomer. "This was a senseless act and this poor man had to die. I just wanted to show support."
“He was my age and I couldn’t imagine leaving my two children behind so tragically,” said Pam Psota.
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Chief Grimes spoke passionately to the crowd, saying he had prayed something like this wouldn't happen in Weymouth, but that he is not surprised that these things happen.
He also reminded everyone in attendance about the dangers of the job.
"Every single call is a gun call, because we carry guns, that's what we do," he said.
Chief Grimes spoke glowingly of Officer Chesna, saying he was "an outstanding person, an outstanding police officer, and a compliment to the Weymouth Police Department and the community to which he served."
Officer Chesna's parents spoke at the vigil, thanking the crowd for all of the support they have received.
Minnie Chesna thanked everyone in attendance for pulling the event together in one day.
"My son would be so proud, and I have never been prouder to be from Weymouth," she said through tears before blowing a kiss to the crowd.
Officer Chesna's dad told people they should be proud to live in Weymouth, saying everyone goes out of their way to help you.
At the end of the vigil, Chief Grimes announced that he was posthumously promoting Officer Chesna to a sergeant.
"As appointing authority of the Weymouth Police Department, effective yesterday, July 15, 2018, Officer Michael C Chesna will be promoted to the position of sergeant," Chief Grimes said. "We will hold Sgt. Michael C Chesna forever in our hearts.”
The solemn ceremony also paid tribute to Adams, the 77-year-old woman who was allegedly shot and killed by Emanuel Lopes after he saw her looking at him through her window.
“Poor woman sitting in her own home and now just gone," said Marian Manning. "It’s just not right.”
The community is also asking that people display blue lights in their windows as another way to honor both Chesna and Adams.
Lopes, 20, who was not medically available for arraignment on Monday, is expected to be arraigned on Tuesday at either his hospital bed or in court.
