BOSTON — Outgoing Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley administered the oath of office to his former chief trial counsel John P. Pappas.
Conley stepped down Wednesday after nearly 35 years in public service — first as a prosecutor, then as a city councilor, and finally as the chief law enforcement officer for Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. His last act was to administer the oath of office to his successor.
Pappas was appointed as Suffolk County’s 15th district attorney by Gov. Charlie Baker.
“Hard work and integrity will get you everywhere in this office,” said Pappas to a room full of young lawyers, friends, and family. “You won’t be judged on your wins and losses in this office. I can tell you that from experience. Honesty. Integrity. Fairness. Compassion. These are the things that matter most here.”
At an emotional ceremony in his downtown office, Conley recalled the day he first walked into office after his own gubernatorial appointment in 2002, according to a statement.
“I knew how the DA’s office worked,” he said. “I’d been a prosecutor for nine years, working in the district courts, the Juvenile Unit, and then Superior Court trial teams. I had some experience in government from my time on the city council. But, I’d never been a DA before, and I knew I was going to need a great team. And I’ve had one — for 16 years, seven months, one week, and one day.”
He praised the work of Suffolk prosecutors, victim advocates, investigators, and support staff during that time and urged them to continue a tradition of innovation and excellence that make them standard-bearers among the nation’s prosecutors.
“When I walk out this evening, I won’t be district attorney,” said Conley. “I’ll be one of almost 800,000 Suffolk County residents depending on you to carry this important mission forward. I won’t be in the dugout with you, but I’ll be rooting from the stands. And I’ll no longer be your boss, but I’ll always be your friend.”
