MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — This seaside community’s new police chief was sworn in Monday afternoon on the steps of Town Hall and the adjoining Manchester Police Station.
Police Chief Mark McCoy was sworn in by Town Clerk Christine Dixon in a ceremony attended by Town Administrator Tony Barletta, members of the Select Board, state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, and state Rep. Andrew “Dru” Tarr, D-Gloucester.
“I look forward to the challenge,” McCoy said. “It is an honor and a deeply humbling experience to stand before you as I am sworn-in as chief of Police for the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea.”
McCoy follows Chief Todd Fitzgerald, who retired after serving 35 years in law enforcement.
On Monday, McCoy thanked the Select Board, Barletta and those involved in the hiring process “for the confidence you have placed in me.”
“I accept this responsibility with a deep appreciation for the trust that comes with this office,” he said
Sen. Tarr said McCoy has earned his stripes.
“Chief McCoy ascends to his new rank as the community’s top law enforcement officer after many years of dedicated service to the department in a variety of roles,” he said. “The insight they have given him will ensure the department will continue to operate with the high degree of excellence fostered by his predecessors, while his understanding and care for the community will enable him to chart his own course as chief, guided by the compassion, skill and diligence he has demonstrated throughout his career in Manchester.”
McCoy said 30 years ago, he walked through the doors of the Police Department as a young police officer “eager to learn and serve and hopeful to make a positive difference in this community.”
“I could never have imagined that one day, I would have the privilege of standing before you as chief of police,” he told those present during the ceremony.
McCoy said he has had the privilege of serving with four “outstanding” chiefs of police; Fitzgerald and former Chiefs Ronald Ramos, Glenn McKiel and Ed Conley.
“They all shared a commitment to professionalism, integrity and service to the people of Manchester-by-the-Sea,” McCoy said. “I am grateful to each of them for the confidence they placed in me, for the lessons they taught me and for the examples they set. Their leadership has shaped not only this department but also the police officer and leader I have become.”
Barletta said the recruitment process started in February and the position was posted in early March. The town received 11 applications, which were reduced to a pool of four candidates before McCoy was tapped for the job.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.