WCAC

^{By Chris Wangler} 

^{March 20, 2023}

Who do you call in life-or-death crash scenarios, with victims rushed to hospitals and totaled vehicles?

WPD officer Stephen Clarke retired Saturday after responding to roughly 13,000 crashes and 700 OUIs.

 

Trusted Professional

As Waltham Police’s top crash investigator, officer Clark brought humanity to scenes of tragedy, but also consequences to those at fault.

He spoke to thousands of rattled victims and witnesses with tact and professionalism during his 37 years on the force.

 

Among the crashes he investigated were fatalities of drivers, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

 

His dedication earned him recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and others.

Good Police

“Clarkie” joined the department in 1986, moving to the Traffic Division in 1988 and staying there until Saturday, when he quietly worked his last shift.

Highly respected and affable, he rose to become the department’s highest-ranking non-superior officer or Badge #1.

 

As such, he was a role model for rank-and-file officers.

Steve was born and raised in Waltham and graduated WHS in 1977. He has been married for more than 40 years and is a father of five and grandfather to four.

Peter Lobo photos