Ward 1 Alderman Matt McLaughlin expressed the city’s gratitude to Stiles (right) as he was presented with a citation honoring his 40 year career with the Somerville Police Department.

40-year police officer commended for decades of service
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By David R. Smith

Nicholas “Nicky” Stiles made a lot of friends in his years – his 40 years – as an officer with the Somerville Police Department, so he wasn’t going to sneak into retirement without just a little bit of fanfare from family, friends and even the mayor and Board of Aldermen, which presented him with a citation for his decades of service during its April 27 meeting.

“It’s bittersweet tonight that I present this citation,” Alderman at Large Dennis Sullivan said as he and Ward 1 Alderman Matt McLaughlin presented Stiles with the citation last week.

The 47-year-old Sullivan reflected on just how long he has known Stiles, noting that he always thought the now-retired officer always took a common-sense approach in dealing with him and other kids in East Somerville. Sullivan, a sergeant with the state Department of Corrections, credited officers like Stiles with helping to shape his career goals.

“I think if we didn’t have officers like Nicky Stiles patrolling the streets, I might not be where I am today,” Sullivan said. “More than a police officer, Nicky has been a lifelong resident and an active community member.”

“I’m definitely saddened you will no longer be with the Somerville Police,” McLaughlin said. “You really embody what it means to be a community police officer. It always meant a lot to us that there are police out there looking out for the young people to make sure they stay out of trouble before they get into trouble.”

After BOA President Bill White jokingly noted that Stiles had “never been short of words” in his years of service, Stiles addressed the board from the podium as several officers and family members – who Stiles said made it possible for him to have served as long as he had – filled the seat behind him.

“The thing I’m most proud of is that I was able to communicate well with the citizens of East Somerville, including the teenagers with Teen Empowerment and others,” he said. “I’m not leaving Somerville.”

When he finished speaking, he received a standing ovation from those in the audience and more words of praise from the board.

Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters, who works as a probation officer, said he was well aware of how tough being a police officer is.

“I know you face harm’s way, and you did it for 40 years,” he said. “You were a terrific officer, and you should be commended for the terrific work you did for the city.”

Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang, who worked as a grant manager for the police department in the ‘90s, shared how Stiles was able to put people at ease.

“He makes people feel comfortable. He’s the ideal ambassador for the police department,” he said.”It’s a loss for the police department, but he’s a great person to have in this city.”

Board members encouraged Stiles to keep an active presence in the city, with Ward 4 Alderman Tony Lafuente saying Stiles is “really someone we identify with in Ward 1.” Alderman at Large Mary Jo Rosetti, for one, thought Stiles would be an ideal volunteer to have in the schools.

“The kids would benefit immensely from your knowledge,” she said.

“You never went through the motions,” White said in closing. “Your heart and soul were invested in Ward 1; that was your neighborhood, and your were always on the lookout for its best interests.”