I cannot help but wonder who would show up for me in a time of need. Who would stand by me in my most vulnerable hours? All I could ever wish to have is a circle around me like that of Sergeant Tim Brennan.
As a 16-year-old girl, I still have a lot to learn. I do not know everything, but one thing is for sure — the unwavering support that I witnessed for Tim Brennan is unlike anything I have ever seen in my life.
Friends, family members, colleagues, and strangers lined the streets outside of our Town Hall in downtown Hopkinton on Thursday, February 8th, waving signs through the air reading, “Thank You Tim,” to take a stand against the wrongful termination of Sergeant Brennan.
A man who protected and honored the privacy of a rape victim. A man whose support not only helped her cope with the situation, but also gave her the courage to come forward.
A man who put the needs of the town before himself is now terminated from his position, doing the community an injustice by removing not only a loyal protector, but also a hero from the Hopkinton Police Department.
You could feel it whether you wanted to or not. There is no denying the passion that was running through the veins of Brennan’s supporters in town.
It was impossible to drive by without sensing the wholehearted devotion circulating in the streets. Most of that Thursday evening, I didn’t know who I was standing next to, but I didn’t need to. There was mutual respect, understanding, and a longing to stand together to do what is right for the town, for Tim, and most importantly, for the victim.
I am embarrassed by tonight’s outcome. As a teenage girl, I could only ever hope to know that there would be a police officer like Tim that I could go to in my most vulnerable and difficult moments.
It is hard to put into words what I saw that night As soon as Sergeant Brennan stepped out of the doors of the Town Hall, it felt like time stood still. We all circled around him knowing that whatever the verdict was, he is one of us. He is our friend, he is a role model, and he is our family.
“I have been terminated, effective February 12th.” Everyone felt the physical and emotional impact of those seven words. Those seven words determined the fate of our town. Those seven words set a precedent for years to come.
It is hard to fathom the reality of the Hopkinton Police Department without Sergeant Brennan. I learned today that there is strength in unity. Looking around me, I saw a community. I saw friendship.
I hope this is something that the town can recover from because I worry the effects of Sgt. Brennan’s termination will have repercussions that will leave a long-lasting impact on our town. A big mistake has been made.
Maci Ober is a Sophomore at Hopkinton High School
What a wonderfully written and heart felt letter. You’re a brave soul Maci. I applaud your efforts and courage to write such a letter. You’re exactly what this world needs more of. Be proud of the person you are, and don’t change. Your parents did right in raising you.
Great letter Maci
I agree whole heartedly with what you have said and I applaud everyone who has stood by Tim and hope we all continue to do so as this process plays out. I also hope that if someone I loved was in need of help they would encounter an officer just like Sergeant Brennan. #THANKYOUTIM
Maci – Wow. This is such an amazing, unexpected, and important viewpoint. I have read letters from so many people of different ages, political parties, etc., but this is the first one from a teenager — and your feedback deserves to be heard.
There are so many things you said that I loved; however, this statement, “There was mutual respect, understanding, and a longing to stand together to do what is right for the town, for Tim, and most importantly, for the victim,” was what stuck out the most because the first thing you said is exactly what our Board of Selectmen are failing to see — people standing together for the town!!!
I hope you continue to stay involved!
When I start to lose hope in the future, I try to remember there are kids like Maci who want to do better. More maturity in her comments than came out by the Select Board members who were looking to fry Tim Brennan from the beginning.
Maci, just because you are 16 doesn’t mean that you don’t know when something is drastically wrong. Apparently your parents have done a tremendous job in raising you, because you recognize this injustice and have had the courage to speak out against it. Unfortunately you have witnessed this at a young age, but I doubt you will ever forget it. Talk to your friends and help educate them, life is not always fair, but with young people like you speaking up, you can possibly help others in the future. Your parents must be very proud of you!
Excellent. Well said.
Thank you for being one of many standing in support of Tim and the woman he was protecting.
Maci,
Wow, thank you for this heartfelt and beautifully written letter. It’s nice to know that the gravity of this situation is not lost on you. And you’re 16!
It was heartwarming to see so many high school kids at the rally, proudly holding signs in support of Sgt. Brennan.
Don’t let the few bad apples get you down. We will prevail!
Paula
#thankyoutim