Two lieutenants and three sergeants were sworn in Thursday afternoon at Peabody City Hall, a ceremony attended by law enforcement officers, city councilors, and residents looking to celebrate the occasion.
Students from Peabody Veterans Memorial High School’s AF-JROTC team began the ceremony with an honor march followed by an opening speech from Mayor Ted Bettencourt.
“Being the son of a police officer… I have a deep understanding of how difficult and demanding your jobs are,” said Mayor Bettencourt. “Being a police officer becomes your life.”
Police Chief Thomas Griffin also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of events that honor the community’s law enforcement officers and their dedication to ensuring the city’s safety.
“As you take on these new responsibilities, please remember the values that you brought here today, courage and steadfast commitment to doing what is right,” Griffin said. “Know that you have [the] full support of this police department and the communities behind you.”
He then began the swearing-in process, where all five officers were called up individually to take an oath and receive a personal expression of gratitude from Chief Griffin.
Officer Javier Sanchez was first up, a Marine Corps Veteran who works at the Peabody District Court and assists the department with his bilingual skills. Griffin also mentioned that Sanchez volunteered to help in Puerto Rico when the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria.
Next was Officer Timothy Sullivan, who first met the chief as an intern at the Salem Police Department. “He’s done an outstanding job, and he has a very bright future. He can help the department,” said Griffin.
Following him was Officer David Murphy, a 16-year veteran at the department who “has done a lot of work to put himself in this position,” Griffin said. In a short speech, Murphy remembered his long career in law enforcement, including an injury in 2001 that required three major surgeries.
Officer Damien Mello, who has served Peabody for 11 years, was next in line. Griffin noted his work training younger officers and his volunteer work with the honor guard. “He’s going to be an outstanding sergeant, and I look forward to working with him,” Griffin said.
Rounding out the swearing-in ceremony was Officer Joseph Lavoie, who was previously a sergeant at the Essex County Sheriff’s Department. Griffin praised his leadership skills and how he has helped many younger officers.
The ceremony also took time to honor civilians who were involved in emergency situations and took the initiative to help out in the midst of a crisis.
First, was an incident that involved a medical emergency at Northshore Mall, where Zachary Charette, Scott Decost, Robert Frost, and Parker Cook jumped to action to save an ailing man’s life. For their actions, they were presented with the Lifesaving Award.
Also recognized at the ceremony was Rabbi Rick Perlman, a police department chaplain working on the critical incident stress management team. He was awarded with a plaque from both Chief Griffin and Mayor Bettencourt.
Finally, Mayor Bettencourt praised the Peabody Knights of Columbus for stepping up to help the residents who were displaced by November’s fire at a Central Street apartment complex, providing them with emergency shelter and offering up their space for clothes to be donated.
Bettencourt presented members of the Knights of Columbus who were in attendance with a Citation of Community Recognition.
“Your support provided much-needed relief to those affected, offering clothing and shelter, as well as a new sense of hope for the future,” said Bettencourt. “Your contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of many and for that, we are truly grateful.”
