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Weymouth Sgt. Was Highly-Decorated Soldier, Good Student

A former professor of Sgt. Michael Chesna's recalls he was a passionate student of criminal justice, earning his Bachelor's Degree from Northeastern University in 2004

What to Know

  • Weymouth Sgt. Michael Chesna was shot and killed during a struggle with suspect Emanuel Lopes on Sunday morning, according to officials.
  • Dr. Jack Greene taught the Weymouth Sgt. and says he was a passionate student of criminal justice at Northeastern University.
  • After graduation, Chesna joined the Army, earning the rank of sergeant and serving in combat; he was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Following Sgt. Michael Chesna's death, people have been going to the Weymouth Police Department to mourn and pay tribute to his service, but we have learned more about Sgt. Chesna before he joined Weymouth police.

Sgt. Chesna was a highly-decorated soldier, and a former professor of his says he was a highly-motivated student, too.

Dr. Jack Greene is the former dean of criminal justice at Northeastern University, where Chesna earned his Bachelor's Degree in 2004.

Chesna's tragic death is top of Greene's mind.

"I’m proud that I had a chance to know him," he said. "On the other hand I’m also saddened that somebody loses their life."

Dr. Greene taught the Weymouth Sgt. and says he was a passionate student of criminal justice.

"He was consistent, he showed up, and he made his face known as a good student and a committed and conscientious student," Dr. Greene said.

After graduation, Chesna joined the Army, earning the rank of sergeant and serving in combat. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007, the deadliest year for U.S. soldiers in the war.

Sgt. Chesna was sent to Afghanistan in 2010, the deadliest year for American troops in that conflict.

For his service, Chesna was awarded the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal among others.

Dr. Greene says the loss of Sgt. Chesna is being felt throughout the Northeastern community.

"Any time you lose somebody who is part of your school, collectively everybody feels that loss," he said.

Chesna's loss is also being felt in Weymouth, and beyond.

So many people say they will miss Chesna, the man who studied and served in the military to prepare himself to serve the Weymouth community.

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