LYNN — It was a special day for the Police Department on Monday, as two longtime members of the force were promoted to leadership positions.
Capt. Mark O’Toole was promoted to deputy chief and Lt. Christopher Kelly was promoted to captain in a ceremony held at the police station. O’Toole was not present for the ceremony, but Kelly was on hand for the recognition.
Kelly has risen through the ranks of the department, starting as a patrolman. As captain, he will be leading the Lynn Police Criminal Investigation Division, and non-uniformed officers will be under his command.
“It’s very exciting,” said Kelly. “I’m looking forward to my new role.”
While Kelly has had promotions before in his career, he said this one was particularly special for him. His son, Officer Nicholas Peveri, 24, has been with the Police Department for about two years; he was a young child when Kelly received his first promotion.
“This is my first promotion having him on the job at the same time so it’s a little different; it’s a little more exciting,” Kelly said.
O’Toole was sick on Monday and there will be a ceremony for his promotion in the coming days.
Police Chief Christopher Reddy said he was pleased to see the two longtime members of the police force get promoted to their new leadership positions.
“Two professionals who have served this city for decades — they are both born and bred and spent their life here in Lynn,” said Reddy. “They are deeply involved with the community. They are going to help lead us forward and they are both professionals, both highly skilled and highly intelligent. I think they provide the kind of leadership we want from the Police Department in this community.”
Mayor Jared Nicholson also attended the ceremony.
“(It’s) obviously a special moment to have the Police Department here, colleagues to (provide) support, as well as the captain’s family,” said Nicholson. “Everyone is thrilled.”
Kelly said it was humbling to hear the praise from his chief and the city’s mayor.
“I want to live up to those expectations and continue to do a great job for the city, and I look forward to serving the community in any which way they need me in my role as a captain of criminal investigations,” he said.
