Claremont mourns former law enforcement officer

By CHRIS FROST
Eagle Times News Editor
and KATLYN PROCTOR
Eagle Times Associate Editor
CLAREMONT, NH — The passing of retired Claremont Police Captain Colby Casey on Saturday, Dec. 30, brings a feeling of sadness to the community, including Police Chief Brent Wilmot, who called Casey a true mentor.

Casey, who passed away peacefully after a brief illness, was 57. His legacy remains in Claremont, where he served with distinction, making the city a better place to live, work and play.

“Casey started his career in Maine with the York County Sheriff’s Office in 1987. He worked there briefly and transitioned to the Town of Burwick Maine Police until 1992 when he transitioned to the Claremont PD,” said Wilmot. “He worked his way up through the ranks and ultimately found his way to the detective division, where he attained the rank of Captain. He served in that role for many years.”

Casey retired as a full-time police officer in 2013, Wilmot said, but he kept being involved in a part-time capacity, and he served on the Claremont School Board for many years.

“He’s been very active in a number of civic engagements in the city and has dedicated untold hours to various volunteer efforts,” he said. “He helped less fortunate people from all walks of life. Children who were in tough situations, Casey has an ability like I’ve never seen before in any person to talk with anybody.”

Wilmot said that Casey was cordial with everyone, making them feel special — and the community agrees.

On Facebook, At-Large Councilor Nicholas Koloski wrote, “Very sad to hear this news. I am proud to be able to call Colby a friend. Great guy, great sense of humor a definite love of family, community and service to others. Rest in peace Colby.”

Former Stevens High School Principal Patricia Lang Berry wrote, “Claremont benefitted greatly because of his dedication and commitment as did all who were lucky enough to work with him.”

Organizations were quick to offer condolences too.

The Granite State Children’s Alliance posted, “Sincere condolences. A tremendous public servant and wonderful man.”

As of press time, more than 100 comments were left on the Claremont department’s post.

“His wife, Terri, works for the school district,” Wilmot said. “He was very involved. In comments on our Facebook page, people posted they weren’t always on the same side of the law with Casey, but Captain Casey showed me respect, which comes from his communication ability. He was a genuine soul who was empathic and compassionate.”

Casey had an amazing intuition like no policeman he’d ever known, said Wilmot.

“He could sense when something was a problem and triage things better than anybody,” he said. “In retirement, he stayed on with us in a part-time capacity. He has done major casework, been our evidence technician and helped with recruitment.”

Wilmot has known Casey since he was a child and said he could run any situation by him.

“He just had this really good ability to see potential problems,” Wilmot said. “His ability to prioritize things was second to none.”

Wilmot said Casey was heavily invested in the police department, the people who work there and the City of Claremont. He also brought his sense of humor to the table.

“He had a saying for everything and always had a joke,” Wilmot said. “He could make anybody laugh. I can’t begin to describe the number of Colby stories we’ve told over the last few days.”

Colby was a family man, and Wilmot said he’s heard many heart-warming stories about family vacations.

“They would get hotel rooms and go to camp, get multiple rooms at the camp, and everybody would land in one room so they would be together,” Wilmot said. “His wife and three sons never left his bedside for the nine days he was in Lebanon. They never left the hospital to take care of themselves. His family stayed with him.”

Wilmot said the Claremont Police Department is closely working with the family to honor Casey the way he deserves.

“We escorted him home from Lebanon to Claremont after his passing, and we’ll continue to play as big a part as the family wants in his funeral,” Wilmot said. “There will be a law enforcement walkthrough during the calling hours on Friday afternoon. We’re going to have police officers posted at the funeral home, and we’re going to escort the family from their home to the funeral home.”

Wilmot said Casey holds a special place in his life.

“In 2019, when I graduated from the FBI National Academy, Colby made the trip down for my graduation,” Wilmot said. “He’s been special to me for a very long time. He made me a better police officer and made the Claremont Police Department a better police department.”

Casey is survived by his wife, Terri, and their three sons, Adam, Andy and Joshua. Calling hours will be Friday, Jan. 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Stringer Family Funeral Home.