LYNNFIELD — Adjusting to a new job can be a trying challenge at any time, but attempting to do so during a pandemic has to be a horse of a different color.
Not according to Lynnfield Police Sergeant Jared Provost, who says the transition from patrolman to sergeant has been almost seamless.
“There definitely have been some adjustments going from being a patrolman to a supervisor. I’m still trying to get used to delegating things that were delegated to me in the past,” he said. “In some aspects there are more responsibilities and in others, there are less and there are some things that are new to me, but so far, it’s still a learning experience, and it’s gone pretty well.”
Being a sergeant isn’t the only new thing in Provost’s life. In July he and his wife Kerrianne welcomed a new baby into their family.
“To be honest, the experience was more like being in prison than in a hospital as we were confined to the room and couldn’t move anywhere in the hospital,” said Provost, who also has a six-year-old and four-year-old. “The staff was very accommodating, so we could tell them what we wanted and they would bring it to us, but it was tough. We couldn’t wait to go home, so much so that we checked out a day early. Everything’s great. The baby is doing well and growing like crazy, so we are all very happy.”
Police Chief David Breen said Provost’s skill set is perfect for his new role.
“We are very happy, and he’s been really good and is really going to be great for this position,” Breen said. “He will be a very good addition to our command staff. He understands what I expect of him. In that position, you have to make tough decisions, otherwise you will be ineffective. You have to be fair, but you have to be tough. I know he is going to be a great supervisor.”
Provost will act as the daytime supervisor. His responsibilities include ensuring operations are running smoothly and monitoring all officers to make sure they are fulfilling their obligations. He also will go out on serious calls when necessary, such as complaints of domestic violence.
“I’ve been in that position and no two days are the same,” Breen said. “You get pulled in other directions when emergencies happen. You must be prepared at all times.”
A 2006 Lynnfield High graduate, Provost said his experience as a member of the school’s mock trial team (serving as captain his senior year), influenced him to go into law enforcement.
“I always had a passion for law. My mother (Mary Phaneuf) is a paralegal in Boston, so I’ve always been curious about the law,” he said. “I knew I wanted to do something involving law, but it was mock trial that steered me and helped me refine my area of interest from the practical side to law enforcement. I wanted to be on the street and visible, helping people on a day-to-day basis.”
Provost earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice at Northeastern University, graduating magna cum laude in 2011. As part of the co-op program, Provost worked three years at Boston Medical Center in the Department of Public Safety. After graduation, he switched to full-time, working there until he made the move to Lynnfield in September, 2013. Five months later in February, 2014, Provost completed graduation requirements at the Massachusetts Police Training Committee’s full-time police academy in Reading.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett said Provost is a “wonderful addition to leadership within the Lynnfield Police Department.”
“I was thrilled when he joined the force,” said Selectman Phil Crawford. “I’ve seen him through the years evolve into one of our leading officers. He is much deserving of this new position.“
Provost said he was honored to hear words of high praise.
“Anybody would appreciate such pillars of the community who speak well of them, I know I am, and it’s very satisfying and I am deeply appreciative,” he said. “I truly appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given since day one here in Lynnfield and look forward to doing the best job I can.”
