LYNN — Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll swore in 31st Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger for his second term Wednesday evening in the Lynn Classical auditorium.
State and local officials and law enforcement officers stood in attendance while retired Lynn Police Sergeant Ned Shinnick performed a marching tune on the bagpipes. As the tune echoed through the auditorium, the Essex County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard — flags and rifles in-hand — marched through the center aisle and onto the stage.
Coppinger started his nearly four-decade-long law enforcement career serving as a Lynnfield police officer before transferring to the Lynn Police Department (LPD) in 1985.
In Lynn, Coppinger climbed the ranks over the course of 24 years before he was appointed to the role of police chief in 2009 — a position he held for seven years before being elected Essex County Sheriff in 2017.
Following Essex County Sheriff’s Department retired Sergeant Ann Zannini’s rendition of the national anthem, Driscoll gave her opening remarks, speaking about Coppinger’s history of enhancing law enforcement service throughout the county.
“Anyone who was in Middleton [House of Corrections] or spending time with the sheriff here in custody, for the most part, is going to be back in our communities, and I think no one recognizes and appreciates that more than Sheriff Coppinger,” Driscoll said.
Driscoll added that Coppinger’s role in creating reform programs in prisons and jails across the county have helped ensure that those who are incarcerated and looking to change their lives have the opportunity to do so.
“He’s been a leader in ensuring training and staff development and technology upgrades at the sheriff’s department, but I think equally important is the work he’s done initiating programs to address the unmet needs of inmates whether it’s substance abuse disorder, mental health needs, and most assuredly those family connections,” Driscoll said.
The crowd roared in applause upon Coppinger’s completion of the oath of office, recited by Driscoll.
Following a brief series of dance performances by Lynn Classical High School students, Sean Coppinger — Coppinger’s son — introduced his father as a dedicated servant and man who would go out of his way to help others.
“Throughout my father’s career as a public servant, my brother and I had many opportunities to see the depth of his commitment to public service. Growing up, we would often see different people go to my father with various questions or concerns. Being the person that he is, he would always give them his attention and answer them truthfully, offering guidance and solutions,” Sean Coppinger said.
Sean said that his father taught him honesty, integrity and respect — the three traits that Coppinger relied on as a law enforcement leader.
“Those were character traits that he embodies every day of his life. It’s no surprise that he asks the men and women of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department to not only embrace those qualities as individuals, but also within their everyday interactions with the public,” Sean said.
Coppinger next gave an address, thanking the county’s law enforcement officers for their years of dedicated service before discussing the county’s achievements in rehabilitative prison programs over the past six years.
“Today we ask, ‘Why are individuals incarcerated?’ What were the root causes of the behavior that brought them to crime, and what types of services and treatment options can we offer during their time with us?” Coppinger said. “We also need to remember that jail serves a purpose, and people are sent there by the courts to be held accountable for their actions.”
Ending his address, Coppinger highlighted his goals for his next six years in office — primarily, expanding his Supporting Transitions and Re-entry (STAR) program to help inmates, or those suffering from substance abuse disorder, learn the skills needed to function in society.
“Our goal is to have STAR build upon itself, and eventually expand to other communities in the future,” Coppinger said. “If these needed services can be provided to individuals at critical times prior to arrest, the goal is to direct those individuals to the proper care providers, which, in many instances, is not the courts and not jail.”
Coppinger said that he also hopes to ramp up recruitment efforts for law enforcement officers and improve the quality of correctional facilities in Essex County.
“We are at a critical juncture, and continue to direct resources and ideas toward recruitment and retention. Our facilities — particularly our kitchen chow hall and our medical housing unit — are old, in need of constant repairs and do not meet modern standards. It is imperative that these be upgraded sooner rather than later, as they are so essential to proper inmate care,” Coppinger said.
“I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to continue this journey, and I’m humbled by the incredible support and encouragement you have all shared with me. I am energized and ready for the second term and whatever challenges that may bring.”
