LYNN — Christopher P. Reddy will serve as chief of police for the City of Lynn, Mayor Thomas M. McGee announced Friday.
Reddy, who will replace acting Police Chief Leonard Demarais, was selected from a list of several candidates who completed the required Civil Service Assessment exam in March of this year.
He won the position over fellow finalists Capt. Mark O’Toole and Deputy Chief Michael Vail.
McGee described Reddy as a “lifelong Lynner” who demonstrated necessary skills to lead the department “with the highest standards” throughout his hiring process.
“He has a deep understanding of the Lynn community and the importance of racial equity in modern policing by having built strong relationships with many diverse groups and organizations during his time as a Lynn police officer,” McGee said. “Chris is ready to meet the moment and lead the hardworking women and men of the Lynn Police Department through the current crossroads we are facing to bring the community together and approach this position with a commitment to equity and transparency.”
Reddy joined the department in 1985 and has served as captain of patrol since 2010.
He has served as supervisor of a number of policing units, including for patrol operations, E-911 and dispatch center, traffic enforcement and the community policing unit.
His role included working as the police department liaison for coordination with outside agencies, organizations and community groups; coordinating for special events; and serving as the liaison to the City of Lynn Emergency Management Committee.
Reddy received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and his master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College.
“I want to offer my sincere appreciation to Mayor McGee for giving me the opportunity to serve this community and the members of the Lynn Police Department as the next chief of police,” Reddy said. “It has been my privilege to serve as a police officer in this community for the past 36 years and I am humbled and honored to have been selected for this important role.
“I’m excited to work with my brother and sister officers, as well as the mayor, the city council and community stakeholders to move the department forward in our common goal of promoting public safety for all.”
McGee also thanked the three other candidates for their time, and thanked Desmarais for his service as acting police chief.
Desmarais, a 32-year veteran of the department, took over the role in July 2020 following the retirement of former Chief Michael Mageary.
“I want to thank each of the three exceptional candidates who applied for the promotion to be the chief of police. Your dedication and commitment to the City of Lynn was clearly evident throughout the entire process,” McGee said. “My sincere appreciation to Deputy Chief Desmarais for stepping up to lead the department over the last 10 months during an incredibly challenging time for our city, state and country.”
