Swampscott Police officers promoted

SWAMPSCOTT – Police officers John Behan and David Skomurski were given provisional promotions to the position of lieutenant and sergeant Wednesday night at the Board of Selectmen meeting.Chief Ronald Madigan said both officers had been with the department since 1983. “Between these two officers are many years devoted to the police department,” said Madigan at the meeting. “They are dedicated to both the department and serving townspeople in the community.”Madigan went on to say that both officers have been “natural leaders” and well-liked by the other officers in the department, evident by the small crowd that showed up to support the two at the meeting.After the motion passed unanimously, the officers, dressed in their formal uniforms, joined their families for photos in the hallway outside the Selectmen?s Meeting Room at Town Hall.?I?m very happy that I?m able to serve the community in another position and I look forward to it,” said Behan.?I?m very excited,” said Skomurski. “It?s an honor to get rank. I work with a lot of professional guys and I?m proud to be a member.”The promotions become official when the officers take the test for their positions in October 2013.Town Administrator Thomas Younger said he was “pleased to have come to a cooperative agreement” with Madigan after original hold-ups in hiring due to the town financial concerns for benefits for an additional patrol officer.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].