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inspiring change, one story at a time
ABOUT MICHAEL
In a world that often seems filled with hate and negativity, Michael Chase is a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the immense impact that a little kindness can have. Through his inspiring speeches and life’s work, Chase is helping to create a more compassionate, empathetic, and kinder world, one person at a time.
SPEAKER | AUTHOR | COACH | COP
Michael Chase is a School Resource Officer at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School in Danvers, MA. Officer Chase joined the Danvers Police Department as a Patrolman in 2016. In 2017, he received the Life Saver Award from the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee for his response to a medical emergency. He was also recognized as a Hero Among Us by the Boston Celtics for his life saving actions as a civilian first responder during the Boston Marathon bombing. Chase later began writing about these experiences, which led to his work as an author and keynote speaker on resilience, leadership, and community.
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Prior to his law enforcement career, Officer Chase worked at the Northshore Education Consortium from 2001 to 2016, serving as an educator and later as Director of Student Support Services. He worked closely with students in grades 7 through 12 who required therapeutic programming to address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. In his leadership role he focused on school safety, student development, and crisis intervention strategies.
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In 2018, Chase joined Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, where he was able to blend his background as an educator with his work in law enforcement to strengthen student engagement, school safety, and staff training initiatives. His mission continues to center on helping schools build stronger, safer, and more connected communities.
Beyond his professional career, Michael is the proud father of his kind and spirited daughter, Makena. She is a junior at Essex North Shore and 3x MVP of their field hockey program.
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Whether it is handing out candy from his police cruiser on Halloween, shoveling driveways for elderly residents during winter storms while in uniform, or mentoring students in crisis, Chase has always believed in leading by example. His career, writing, and personal life reflect one core belief: relationships change lives and every student deserves a trusted adult.
Michael Chase is a dynamic author and inspiring speaker who has dedicated his career to helping others navigate adversity, build resilience, and foster meaningful relationships that create lasting impact. Through real-life experiences, humor, and sincerity, he challenges audiences to rethink how they respond to life’s most difficult moments - whether in the classroom, on the front lines, or in their communities.
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His journey took a defining turn in April 2013, when he stood just feet from the second blast of the Boston Marathon terrorist attack. Though he escaped physical harm, the emotional and psychological impact of that day left a lasting imprint. Instead of letting trauma define him, Michael chose to turn crisis into purpose, using his experience to inspire others to rise above their own challenges.
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With over 25 years working with at-risk youth - first as a special education teacher, then as a street cop, and now as a School Resource Officer (SRO) - Michael has seen firsthand the power of trusted relationships in shaping lives. His work with students, educators, and law enforcement has reinforced a simple truth: resilience is built through connection.
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Whether speaking to educators, law enforcement, or leadership teams, Michael empowers audiences to recognize their ability to impact others, lead with purpose, and create environments where people feel seen, supported, and safe.
From Crisis to Connection: How Adversity Shapes Resilience, Leadership, and Lasting Impact.
MICHAEL'S sPEAKING tOPICS
From Victim to Victor
Inspirational Keynote
Michael Chase delivers a gripping account of being fifteen feet from the second bomb at the Boston Marathon and his life-saving actions that followed. Michael's story is a catalyst for deeper conversations about resilience, decision making under pressure, and the way people show up for one another when everything is on the line. Audiences walk away with a clearer understanding of how to lead through uncertainty, build a culture of trust, and turn adversity into meaningful action in their work and their lives.
T/A Connect – Strengthening School Safety Through Relationships
The Trusted Adult Initiative
How do we make schools safer? Research shows that trusted adult relationships are the most powerful tool in preventing school crises, improving student well-being, and strengthening school culture. Michael Chase introduces T/A Connect – The Trusted Adult Initiative, a proactive framework designed to ensure every student has a trusted adult. This session provides real-world strategies to help educators, administrators, and school staff build meaningful relationships that create lasting impact.
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Know Your Role
Today’s SRO
How can School Resource Officers (SROs) be more than just a uniform on campus? In today's schools, SROs are uniquely positioned to become trusted adults for students while maintaining strong relationships with faculty and administration. Michael Chase's unique 3-point framework provides SROs with actionable strategies to enhance:
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​Relationships with Students (Building trust and approachability)
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Relationships with Staff (Becoming an integral part of school culture)
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Impact on School Safety & Student Well-Being (Using proactive engagement to prevent crisis)
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This session equips SROs with the tools to foster positive connections, create safer schools, and redefine their role in student support.
Real Impact & Lasting Change
What Educators, Leaders, and Law enforcement Say About Michael Chase
Michael Chase's presentation skills are truly exceptional. He has a remarkable ability to tailor his content to suit the audience he is addressing. Having witnessed his presentations to both student and adult groups, I can attest to his impressive capacity to connect with his listeners. I am delighted that Michael has been able to impart his vital message to our school community.
Shannon Donnelly
Principal
Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School
Hathorne, MA
As co-captain of Danvers High School's varsity soccer team, I had the privilege of getting to know Michael Chase during his first year as coach. Michael was a true leader and quickly became a mentor to every player in the program. Shortly after I returned from combat as a US Marine, Michael showed the world what courage and leadership were by his actions during the Boston Marathon bombing. We spoke the following day, realizing we both shared experiences that very few fully understand. I hung the newspaper article of his actions in our USMC hangar and told every Marine about his heroic actions. Unknown to Michael, he became a hero to over 300 US Marines. Each of them agreed “the hero in the blue shirt” may not wear the same uniform, but he is one of us. The Sheepdog guarding the flock from wolves. Michael Chase is a hero’s hero.
Kevin Powers
United States Marine Corps
Owner - KAPture Digital Media
San Diego, CA
I had the honor of attending a presentation by Michael Chase where he shared his experiences during the Boston Marathon bombing and his remarkable perseverance and resilience in the following weeks, months, and years. His ability to transform such a tragic event not only in his life, but in the lives of many others, into a source of positivity is truly motivational. As a fellow Police Officer and former School Resource Officer, I strongly recommend hearing his story and discovering what it means to be a true hero in real life. You will leave feeling uplifted and ready to face whatever challenges come your way. I certainly did.
Kim Wood
Detective
Middleton Police Department
Middleton, WI
get in touch with michael
michael@michaelchasespeaks.com
978-907-4610
