Swampscott brothers walk blue line

SWAMPSCOTT-There’s no shortage of brotherly love in the police department.Monday was the first day on the job for Officer Kevin Reen, 31, who joins his older brother Brendan Reen, as a member of the Swampscott Police Department.Kevin, who already has seven years of experience as a police officer under his belt, said he wanted to be a police officer since he was a kid and he is thrilled to be working in Swampscott.?I always wanted to be an officer,” he said. “I enjoy working in law enforcement and I’m really looking forward to working in the town where I live.”The Lynn native and 1995 St. John’s Prep graduate studied International Affairs at Norwich University and then went on to earn a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University.Kevin, who has been a police officer at Boston University since 2001, pointed out he started working there just one day before the 9/11 attacks.?My second day on the job was pretty crazy,” he said. “I remember Commonwealth Avenue being packed with people trying to reach people on their cell phones.”Kevin, who has lived in town for several years, is not the first member of his family to join the Swampscott Police Department.Brendan has been a police officer in town for 18 months, played minor league baseball and also attended Norwich University. Brendan said he embarked on a career in public safety after working for seven years in business.?Kevin urged me to take the (Civil Service) exam and become a police officer,” he said. “I love being a police officer. It’s everything I wanted it to be. I love working in town and the department has been great.”Kevin said the two brothers, both of whom are married and have young children, have always been close.?We’re a close-knit family,” he said. “We’ve always done everything together from sports to everything else.”Police Chief Ronald Madigan said both officers are very professional and an asset to the department.?They show great commitment to the town,” he said.With Kevin Reen on board, Madigan said the department has 32 officers and one chief.?We’ve filled all our budgeted positions,” he said. “We’re fortunate Reen has already attended the police academy so we don’t have to bear the expense of sending an officer to the academy for training and having him off the streets.”The Reens are not the only brothers on the police department. Detective Sgt. Tim Cassidy and his older brother Officer Rich Cassidy are both currently officers in the department.