01/09/2026
🌟Chief Craig Lundgren Retires After 45 Years of Service to Public Safety🌟
Today, we recognize and honor Chief Craig Lundgren and congratulate him on his retirement.
Chief Lundgren has devoted a lifetime to public service, beginning immediately after graduating from high school. Following graduation, he worked for Newton’s Ambulance Service, providing emergency medical care to those in need.
In 1981, Chief Lundgren became the fourth full-time firefighter for the Town of Orange. In 1984, he chose a new path and moved to law enforcement, proudly serving the citizens of Orange as a full-time police officer. He continued his career there, rising through the ranks to Sergeant in 1996 and eventually being appointed as the Police Chief for the Town of Orange on October 23, 2013.
After many years of service in Orange, Chief Lundgren came to the Town of Athol in 2018 to serve as Police Chief. At that time, his leadership was exactly what the department needed. His style, rooted in common sense, empathy, and respect, taught us that accountability does not have to be harsh, but instead can be grounded in clarity and fairness.
Chief Lundgren reminded us that we are all human, and that making an honest mistake is not something to fear, as long as we learn from it and strive to be better the next time. He trusted us to do our jobs and consistently supported us. He never put himself first and always respected the opinions of sworn personnel, civilian staff, the public, and town leadership alike.
Chief Lundgren, we salute you for over 45 years of dedicated service to public safety. We wish you nothing but the best in your well-earned retirement, and we thank you for being the leader and the person you are.
