Weymouth PD Finds Support From A Sea Of Blue

QUINCY, MA — By 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, every seat in the audience of the main courtroom at Quincy District Court had a person in a blue police uniform with many more standing in the back and pouring out through the entrance to the room.

Officers from several area agencies were on hand to witness the arraignment of 20-year-old Emanuel Lopes of Weymouth, who is charged with killing Weymouth Police Officer Michael Chesna and Vera Adams, who was a bystander during Sunday morning's fatal incident.

Prior to the arraignment, Quincy Police shut down the road in front of the courthouse, only allowing police vehicles and an MBTA bus transporting Weymouth Police officers. They were greeted by officers from other towns who offered hugs, condolences, and any other support the officers need.

"Anytime when something happens like this that's so tragic all the officers come together because of the camaraderie with everybody," Quincy Police Captain John Dougan said. "Every time we go out on the streets like that we never know if we're going to come home to our loved ones."

Dougan called Chesna's death very traumatic for the Weymouth Police Department.

"They just lost a young officer they worked with every day. Now he's gone. It's very frustrating and very upsetting for the officers," he said.

The Weymouth officers entered the building in formation and were followed by other officers. Before the start of the court session, the building's largest room had filled to capacity with police officers in nearly every seat and many more standing.

The support doesn't end at the arraignment. At Chesna's wake and funeral, more officers are expected to give their condolences. Area police are also assisting Weymouth as they grieve.

Chesna will be laid to rest Friday.

Cover image taken by Dan Libon