Standing room only as Raynham honors SRO Lou Pacheco as life-changing mentor

RAYNHAM — “I’m not super comfortable in situations like this,” joked Raynham Police Det. Louis Pacheco as he accepted a special recognition award from the town for his years of service both with the department and with the youth in the community.

The Jan. 23 Selectmen's meeting was overflowing with town officials, peers, students and family of Pacheco — so much so that many had to stand outside the meeting room as they were at capacity inside.

Selectmen Chair Patricia Riley remarked this may very well be the “largest crowd we’ve ever had,” in this room.

What is this award?

Riley said Selectmen started the "Raynham Recognition Award" back in September as a monthly tribute to a person or group who is “deserving of special recognition,” whether through an act of heroism or kindness, some special accomplishment, or for years of dedication to the Raynham community.

The Board solicits input from the public regarding potential recipients of the award each month.

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Praise from the schools

Riley said it was a recommendation from Bridgewater-Raynham school committee member Rachel King that led to Selectmen selecting Pacheco.

“I know he’s touched a lot of people. His commitment to the youth of the town should be commended,” said King at the award presentation.

King said Pacheco has gained “the respect and admiration of the students” through his many years of work as a B-R school resource officer. She called him a “mentor” to many of them.

“He takes charge when a student is in crisis. His intervention ensures their well being,” King said.

She also cited his dedication to sports and student athletics as another reason for praise, particularly his role as head football coach at the high school, as well as his volunteer work with the Raynham Giants Youth Football program, the Juvenile Organization of Cops and Kids (JOCKS) and Speed Camp, a track and field program.

“His fostering of relationships makes him more than deserving of this recognition,” King said.

B-R Superintendent Ryan Powers said Pacheco always “conducts himself in a professional manner, whether dealing with the public, the parents, or students, and is always kind and compassionate.”

Powers said he often spends the end of each work day corresponding with Pacheco, whether through phone or text, late at night, and Pacheco is "always available.”

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Praise from the town

Riley, who previously served for years on the B-R school committee, said she’s well aware of Pacheco’s commitment to young people in his role as a school resource officer.

“He goes above and beyond,” she said, adding there have been cases where “his intervention saved lives.”

Selectman Kenneth Collins agreed, saying “there are generations of families affected positively by him.”

A behind-the-scenes guy

Pacheco, a 36-year veteran of the Raynham Police Department, told the crowd, when it comes to his police work, he’s always preferred being behind-the-scenes and out of the limelight, which is where most of his work as a detective takes place. He said when a sting was concluded, he was happy with just the Police Department knowing of his responsibility, and no one else.

“This award is not behind-the-scenes,” he said as he thanked every police chief he’s ever worked with for “allowing me to do what I do.” Pacheco's own father retired in 2011 as chief after 37 years on the force.

Regarding his work as a school resource officer, Lou Pacheco said, “It’s about taking care of a problem, before it becomes a problem,” and thanked the district administration, teachers and staff for their help and support.

Pacheco thanked his family for their support, particularly his wife, Sandy, whom he called “a saint.” He cited times where “she’s packing a bag for me” for when he gets called out from home, even on holidays or days off.  “To be that supportive is unbelievable!”

He concluded by saying, it’s “awesome to me to give back to the community I love.”

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Raynham School Resource Officer Lou Pacheco honored