LYNN — Mayor Thomas M. McGee plans to appoint Deputy Chief Leonard Desmarais as acting chief of the Lynn Police Department.
Desmarais, a 32-year veteran of the department, will assume his new role after the retirement of Chief Michael Mageary becomes effective this Saturday, according to an announcement from the Lynn Police Department.
Mageary announced his retirement on Monday, calling it a “difficult decision to make,” but one that he had been contemplating for a long time. He has been with the department for 34 years, including the past three and a half as its chief.
Desmarais has served as acting chief during a previous vacancy, which was filled when Mageary was appointed chief by former Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy.
Deputy Chief Edward Blake also announced his retirement earlier this year after 34 years of service with the department, effective July 31. Blake joined the force in 1986 and worked in the patrol division for 12 years.
Blake was promoted to sergeant in 1998, lieutenant in 2002 and captain in 2008. He served as the captain of technical services until he was appointed as deputy chief of administration in 2017. As deputy chief, he oversaw the professional standards, administration and support services divisions.
As the senior ranking member of the department, Desmarais will be appointed by McGee as acting chief on a provisional basis, as required by Massachusetts Civil Service regulations.
Desmarais and McGee both declined comment on the appointment.
Hired in 1988, Desmarais was promoted to sergeant in 1993, lieutenant in 1996, captain in 2000 and deputy chief in 2010. He became acting chief when the position was vacated by former Police Chief Kevin Coppinger, upon his election as the Sheriff of Essex County in November 2016.
Desmarais was one of four applicants considered for the top position at the time, but Mageary was ultimately appointed police chief after scoring the highest on an Assessment Center review.
“He certainly has the experience from doing it before,” said Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec. “We certainly have the stability. The deputy has been in his position for quite some time. Obviously, we’ll be changing some faces in the positions they’re in. I think the department will be on level footing going forward with the deputy in that position as acting chief.”
Once Mageary steps down and Desmarais assumes the position as acting chief, the process to permanently fill the chief position will begin.
McGee said Wednesday that Mageary has demonstrated the utmost professionalism and humility in serving the people of the city he loves throughout his distinguished career.
“Chief Mageary has worked to implement positive changes to the department’s policies and procedures and has been willing to speak with residents to understand their concerns about how police officers can best serve their needs,” said McGee in a statement.
“He has been an example of honorable service for all for this community to aspire to, and he will truly be missed. I have enjoyed working with Chief Mageary, who has been a dependable and collaborative leader for the Lynn Police Department and the city of Lynn. I thank him for his service, and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
As allowed by Massachusetts Civil Service Law, an assessment center was recently conducted to fill the deputy chief position, with the results expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, according to the police department.
