METCALF, Malden Police Lieut. Robert E. "Mickey", retired, January 30th. Husband of the late Dorothy (Simpson) and devoted companion for 35 years of Sylvia Gallant of Melrose. Brother of Rose Ryan of Florida and the late Mary Peterson, Frederick Metcalf, Helen Evans, Ruth Policelli, Roscoe J. Metcalf and Arthur J. Metcalf. Lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born in Malden and a graduate of the Malden High School class of 1940, Robert passed away peacefully at the Chelsea Soldiers Home on Wednesday evening. He was appointed a Reserve officer on November 14, 1949 a Patrolman on January 14, 1950. On January 10, 1971 he attained the rank of Sergeant and promoted to Lieutenant on December 27, 1976. At the time of his retirement he was a Lieutenant in the Detective Bureau and prior to that was the Officer in Charge of the Day shift.
During his many years in Law Enforcement, he continued his education first with a Associates Degree in Law Enforcement in 1974, followed by a B.S Degree in Social Education in 1977 and then a Masters Degree in Social Education from Boston University in 1979.
His interest and quest for additional learning in regard to his job led him to many courses over the years. He attended Babson College in 1971 for Enforcement management, the Topsfield Training Council, Reading Police Department Mob Control training, Forensic Med/Inves. of Violent Death at North Shore Community College, FBI Firearm Training, Drug Abuse Enforcement and Rules of Evidence at NSCC, Basic Fingerprint School, Planning and Decision Solving-management of Change at babson College, Creative Problem Solving-Motivationg Subordinates and numerous courses and seminars relating to law enforcement.
During his tenure, he received two commendations for bravery, 1st for rescueing people trapped in a burning building and second for the chase and capture of individuals in the robbery of a gun store.
In his earlier years, he served his country in the United States Marine Corp during World War II, worked as a welder at the Charlestown Navy Yard and was a member of Stonelayers Local #9. He was an avid golfer and in his retirement worked as a starter at the Unicorn Golf Course in Stoneham. He was a member of numerous fraternal and Veterans organizations also, among them The Laden Legion, the Malden VFW, the Marine Corp. League, the Malden and National Chapter of the DAV, the Stoneham Knights of Columbus and the Malden Moose.
In accordance with Lieut. Metcalf's wishes, funeral services will be private. Expressions of sympathy in "Mickey's" name may be made to the Chelsea Soldiers Home, Patient's Recreation Fund, 91 Crest Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150.