Captain Jonathan B. Lehto, 47, a beloved member of the Nashua Police Department died unexpectedly Monday, September 9, 2019, in Seattle, WA.
Jonathan was born in Nashua on July 8, 1972 and is the son of Dennis and Dorothy (Perreault) Lehto of Florida. He was the husband of Erin Lehto. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his sister, Kimberli Carrier of Florida, her husband, Greg, and their two sons, Jaden and Kyan.
Jonathan grew up in Nashua, attended Nashua schools, and graduated from Nashua High School in 1990. Jonathan next attended Boston University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994. Jonathan continued his education at Boston University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1997. He was later admitted to the New Hampshire Bar Association.
From early on, Jonathan wanted to be a police officer. In 1999 he was hired by the Nashua Police Department and attended the 118th New Hampshire Police Academy. Upon graduation and his FTO period, Jonathan spent several years in the Patrol Division. He was transferred to the Detective Bureau where he spent much of his time handling juvenile related matters, sexual assault investigations, and other complex cases. Jonathan’s leadership, knowledge, and demeanor earned him a promotion to Sergeant. He was a skillful and well-regarded patrol supervisor and detective supervisor. Jonathan helped guide both Nashua police officers and detectives before his transfer to the Legal Bureau. Jonathan prosecuted cases for the Nashua Police Department and quickly became a respected police prosecutor with a reputation as someone who was easy to work with. Jonathan was considered a colleague by Judges, public defenders, and other attorneys. During his assignment in Legal, Jonathan exhibited an exceptional work ethic and was promoted to Lieutenant. Jonathan’s legal expertise allowed him to provide valuable guidance to his fellow officers as well as the Nashua Police Department’s Executive Office.
Jonathan was recently promoted to Captain and took command of the Nashua Police Department’s Detective Bureau. His willingness to accept and excel at stressful and challenging assignments made him a perfect fit. Jonathan’s personnel file is filled with numerous letters received from members of the community as well as local organizations who took the time to express their gratitude for Jonathan’s professionalism, his compassion, and his work ethic. While Jonathan oversaw the Nashua Police Crime Scene Unit, it was Jonathan’s time spent as a member of SWAT that meant so much to him.
Additionally, Jonathan received two Commendation Bars for Distinguished Unit Action, an employee recognition award, and Exchange Club Officer of the Year. Jonathan’s 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.
Aside from his passion for law enforcement, Jonathan was also an avid runner, Boston University hockey fan and loved to travel. He also enjoyed his yearly trips to Disney World.