Candlelight vigil held for shot Greenland, NH Police Chief

GREENLAND, N.H. (WHDH) -- A candlelight vigil was held Friday evening for Greenland, N.H. Police Chief Michael Maloney who was shot and killed while trying to serve a search warrant Thursday night.

“He was not only a husband, a father, and a grandfather, but most of all; he was a man of integrity and courage,” said one man.

Chief Michael Maloney was so many things to so many people in the small town of 3,500. Hundreds showed up to remember him at a candlelight vigil.

“Chief Maloney was a dear, dear friend to me. He was a mentor, he was a boss, at sometimes we disagreed but he and I have worked together for a very, very long time. And it’s devastating to me,” said Sergeant Dawn Sawyer, Greenland N.H. Police Department.

Chief Maloney was described as a town chief, one who didn’t sit behind a desk, but worked out in the community.

“Even though he was Chief, he was one of the troops. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do,” said Ken Fernald, a friend.

There were tears, hugs, and tokens of remembrance.

“It’s just a little memento to remember Michael, so every time you look at it, you’ll remember him,” said Joanne Schottler, a friend.

Chief Maloney served 12 years as Chief in Greenland and worked in law enforcement for more than a quarter of a century. He was a mere six working days away from retirement.

“Monday I was kidding with him about being a young guy and quitting and everything and why aren’t you going to keep working,” Fernald said.

A memorial trust has been set up for Chief Maloney’s family.

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