Ken Berkowitz Obituary — The Canton community is mourning the loss of retired Police Chief Ken Berkowitz, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A dedicated public servant, Berkowitz leaves behind a legacy of commitment, leadership, and community service.
A graduate of Needham High School, Berkowitz began his law enforcement career in 1992 as a patrol officer with the Canton Police Department (CPD). Over three decades, he rose through the ranks, serving as sergeant and lieutenant before being appointed as the town’s 13th chief of police in 2005.
His tenure as chief was marked by innovative leadership and an unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of Canton’s residents. The beloved father died unexpectedly leaving the community heartbroken.
Berkowitz formally announced his decision to retire in a letter to Town Administrator Charlie Aspinwall dated March 7, 2024, and officially stepped down from his role on June 15, 2024. Even in retirement, he remained deeply involved in the community he cherished, contributing his time and expertise to several town committees.
He was a valued member of the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) and the Canton Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (CDEI), where his contributions had a lasting impact.
A longtime Canton resident, Berkowitz was not only a respected law enforcement leader but also a pillar of the community. Colleagues and residents alike remember him as a compassionate and principled individual who worked tirelessly to foster trust and collaboration between the police department and the community it served.
“Ken Berkowitz exemplified what it means to be a true public servant,” said Town Administrator Charlie Aspinwall. “His leadership, kindness, and dedication to Canton will never be forgotten. He touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
The Canton Police Department, along with the entire community, is grieving the loss of a remarkable leader and friend. Plans for a memorial service to honor Chief Berkowitz’s life and contributions will be announced in the coming days. Ken Berkowitz’s passing is a profound loss for the town of Canton, but his memory and the positive changes he championed will endure for generations to come.
For the past 17 years, Berkowitz served as Canton’s police chief while also actively participating in the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Additionally, he previously held the role of president of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (MetroLEC), a coalition of 45 regional police departments providing specialized services such as SWAT and crisis negotiation.
In 2013, as part of his work with MetroLEC, Berkowitz coordinated a team of officers in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing and played a key role in the Watertown manhunt that led to the capture of terrorist Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.