Captain Jonathan Lehto

Nashua Police Department
Nashua, NH

Date of Death: September 9, 2019

Age: 47
Years of Service: 20
Duty Status: Active
Veteran: No

Captain Jonathan Lehto served with the Nashua Police Department for 20 years, 5 months, and 19 days. He loved his job because it was more than just a job. It was an opportunity to make a difference and be the person he wanted to be. He was kind, honest, and above all fair. He didn’t just do his job, he was his job.

Jon was a humble overachiever. He attended Boston University and was a diehard supporter of the BU hockey team. After receiving his BA in 1994, he wasn’t ready to leave Boston University or the city he called home. He continued his education, receiving his Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law in 1997. Practicing law wasn’t quite as exciting or fulfilling as he’d hoped and in 1999, Jonathan found his true calling as he became a police officer with the Nashua Police Department.

Jonathan spent several years in the Detective Bureau handing juvenile related matters, sexual assault investigations, and other complex cases. His leadership, knowledge, and demeanor earned him many promotions. When he transferred into the Legal Bureau he quickly became a respected police prosecutor with a reputation as someone who was easy to work with. He displayed an exceptional work ethic. Throughout his impressive career, his time as a member of SWAT meant more to him than anything.

Jonathan received two Commendation Bars for Distinguished Unit Action, an employee recognition award, and Exchange Club Office of the Year. His most notable recognition was the Dr. Roger M. Fossom Award from the NH Attorney General’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, which honors individuals who have made an outstanding commitment to collaborative multidisciplinary efforts to improve services to children affected by abuse and neglect in New Hampshire.

An avid runner and Disney fan, Jon had a heart of gold. He was quiet, observant, and had the best smile. We will continue to honor his memory by talking about him, sharing his story, and keeping him alive in our hearts.

Additionally, we’d like to acknowledge the Nashua Police Department for their support and love and for not letting Jonathan’s suicide be a source of shame. The service they provided for him was one of honor and respect. Jon is not only part of our family, but their family as well and they treated him and us as such.