MARLBOROUGH, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Town of Marlborough is mourning the loss of Selectman Earl Nelson, a longtime law enforcement officer whose career in New Hampshire public safety spanned more than 40 years.

Town officials announced Nelson died during the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 28. He had served on the Marlborough Board of Selectmen since October 2019.

Nelson was widely known throughout the Monadnock Region for his extensive law enforcement career. At the time of his death, he was a lieutenant with the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Academy in Concord, where he oversaw the Part-Time Police Academy as commandant.

His career included serving as Marlborough’s first full-time police chief from 1987 to 1990 before returning as interim chief in 2006. He also worked as police chief in Chesterfield, Dublin, Lyndeborough and Roxbury, served as a police officer with the Keene Police Department and later became a supervisor with the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office.

In a statement, Marlborough officials said Nelson would be remembered not only for his commitment to public service, but also for mentoring others, his sense of humor and the kindness he showed throughout the community. They extended condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

The Chesterfield Police Department also honored Nelson, describing his 46 years of public service as a career marked by professionalism, integrity and dedication. The department noted that, beyond the positions he held, Nelson played an important role in mentoring generations of law enforcement officers, leaving a lasting impact on agencies across New Hampshire.

The New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council also recognized Nelson’s contributions, calling him a respected colleague whose leadership and commitment strengthened the organization and helped prepare countless officers for careers in law enforcement.

Nelson sought the elected position of Cheshire County sheriff several times, running in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020. During his 2016 campaign, he described law enforcement as his life’s work, reflecting on a career that began with the Keene Police Explorers program before advancing through local police departments, the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office and eventually training future police officers at the state academy.

Marlborough Police officials said Nelson was highly regarded throughout the community and local law enforcement, noting that he influenced and assisted countless people during his career.

Nelson’s current term on the Marlborough Board of Selectmen was scheduled to run through December 2027.