By Cary Shuman
Harold H. Shaw, special agent-in-charge of the FBI Boston Division, was the guest speaker at the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Government Breakfast Wednesday. Pictured at the breakfast are, from left, Robert Pereira, Maureen Foley, Chamber President Sergio Jaramillo, Joseph Mahoney, Janice Sikorski, Albert Calvo, Special Agent-in-Charge Harold H. Shaw, Arthur Arsenault, Joseph Vinard, Peter Zaksheski, Susan Gallant, and Chamber Executive Director Rich Cuthie.
Harold H. Shaw, special agent in charge of the Boston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), drew a sellout crowd to the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Government Breakfast Wednesday at the Wyndham Hotel, in Chelsea.
The future home of the FBI Boston Division headquarters is located on a site adjacent to the hotel.
Shaw told the assembled group of city officials, department heads, and Chamber members that “the FBI Boston Division will be making history by moving our headquarters to Chelsea. For those of you who don’t know, we’ve called the great city of Boston home since the early 1900s. So, in no uncertain terms, this is a very big deal for us.”
Shaw grew up in Weymouth and played hockey at Boston College High School. He graduated from Norwich University, a military college in Vermont, and served nine years in the U.S. Army. He entered on duty with the FBI in 199 and was assigned to the New York Division.
City Manager Thomas Ambrosino welcomed Shaw to the city in his remarks.
“The most exciting thing for the city this fall is going to be the opening of the FBI building,” said Ambrosino. “It’s a real game changer for the city of Chelsea, not just in terms of its economic benefits, but in terms of what it will mean for the city’s perception and for the life of the community.
“We are extremely happy about that, grateful to the Simboli family, particularly Anthony Simboli, – not just to have the vision to see something that others couldn’t see, but to have the dogged determination to make it happen in the face of really daunting odds.”
At the outset of his remarks, Shaw noted the presence of Police Chief Brian Kyes at the breakfast.
“I really want to highlight Brian not only for the leadership that he provides for the safety and security of your community and the Mass. Major Chiefs – here’s one guy that’s really looking out for best interests of each and every one of us and I’m very fortunate to have him as a great partner.”
Shaw spoke about the move to Chelsea, importance of strengthening existing partnerships, and terrorism and the community’s role in combating it.
The charismatic FBI administrator received a warm ovation at the conclusion of his remarks. Many guests asked to have their photo taken with Shaw and he graciously obliged each request.
Following is the text of Mr. Shaw’s remarks at the breakfast: