LOWELL | After former police chief, community leader and businessman Tom Felder succumbed to cancer June 17, Councilman Shane Tucker wanted to honor his memory.

On Monday, Tucker's colleagues on the Town Council agreed.

Council members unanimously voted to rename the police station the Thomas D. Felder Memorial Police Station. Felder was police chief when the station was built and was involved in its design.

Choking back his tears, Tucker said he was honored to make the motion to memorialize the man he called a mentor and a friend.

"Tom Felder shaped my professional and personal life like few others have," said Tucker, councilman for the 2nd District and a lieutenant with the Lowell Police Department.

Felder, who retired from the department after 27 years and was co-owner of RTL Inc., an Internet provider and computer repair firm, served on the Lowell Plan Commission until he withdrew because of his health.

Felder's son, Matt Felder, who accepted the council's appointment earlier this month to complete his father's term, voiced his and his family's appreciation.

"Thanks for letting my dad serve the community," he said.

Felder's wife, Jan, his daughters and other family members accepted a plaque, which will be hung in the police station.

The council directed Public Works Director Greg Shook to arrange for a new sign for the police station at 1333 E. Commercial Ave.

Gerald Stout, who retired from the Lowell Police Department and is now an attorney, said he served 16 years with Felder.

"He was my mentor, admirable, very honest, very instrumental in how the station looks," he said. "It's very fitting."