Photo: Billerica Police Dept.
BILLERICA, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) - Retired Billerica Police Officer and World War II Veteran, Capt. Paul Holmes, has just returned to his home of Tewksbury, after taking part in an honor flight to Washington, D.C. with other veterans.
Billerica and Tewksbury Police officers were able to escort Holmes both to and from Logan airport over this past weekend. Retired Lt. Commander Troy Opland said he was unbelievably proud to be a part of the former Captain's journey with Honor Flight New England.
"I've never seen him so happy," Opland said. "There's a tear in his eye in one of the pictures. It was just really cool to see that. He's just an awesome man."
The retired Billerica Police Captain turned 100 in July and served in the Navy during WWII. When he hung up his uniform, he applied for another, taking a job with the Billerica Police department from 1949 until 1986. During his years with the force, he was known for treating people with respect. After his retirement, he continued to visit the police station on a regular basis.
"There wasn't one kid in the neighborhood who didn't absolutely admire him," said Billerica Police Head Clerk Elizabeth Patriquin. "He was wicked tall, and wicked nice to all the kids in the neighborhood. He had a lot of respect for the Town and the people and they gave that respect back to him."
"Retired Billerica Police Capt. Paul Holmes spent most of his life serving his country and his community, and we were proud to escort him to this well-deserved honor flight provided by a great organization," said Chief Roy Frost. "The Billerica Police Department has the utmost respect for all veterans, and we wish Capt. Holmes all the best."
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