A new portrait honors the legacy of late Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley.
The portrait, by artist Warren Harden, was unveiled at the annual town meeting on Wednesday, according to the town of Holden.
“What an amazing tribute to an amazing man. Chief Greeley’s legacy will live forever. Thank you to Warren Harden for gifting us with this beautiful piece of art!” the Holden Police Department said in a social media post.
Greeley died on March 9, 2023, at age 60.
Greeley spent his life in law enforcement, but his commitment to caring for his community went beyond patrolling the streets, according to his obituary, which noted his kindness, optimism and generosity were apparent to all who met him.
Greeley joined the Holden Police Department in 2007 and eventually rose to become chief in 2015, a position he held until his death.
He also spent stints working for the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and Brewer and Veazie police departments.
Greely also represented his community in the Maine House from 2002 to 2010.
“Through his words as well as his actions, Chris demonstrated his devotion to others, earning him the trust and admiration of his officers and the affection of the community,” U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said in a statement in March 2023.
What may be Greeley’s lasting legacy is his 25 Days of Kindness program, which provides Holden residents with cash, food, gift cards, paper products and presents throughout the month of December. He grew that program from a few hundred dollars to more than $25,000 before his death.
Despite his passing, the Holden Police Department is keeping the 25 Days of Kindness alive.
“I know how much this meant to him and how much he believed in it and he loved doing it,” his wife, Donna Greeley, told the Bangor Daily News in December.
