Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy
After more than 30 years with the Lincoln Police Department, Police Chief Kevin Kennedy will retire at the end of the year.
Kennedy informed Town Administrator Tim Higgins of his plans to retire as of December 15 in a letter dated July 10. During his 31 years in the department, he rose through the ranks from patrol officer to juvenile officer, inspector/court officer and lieutenant. In 2014 he was named chief upon the retirement of Kevin Mooney.
Kennedy was an early advocate of Fair and Impartial Policing aimed at reducing implicit bias among officers, and he recently led the Lincoln Police Department through a rigorous independent review process resulting in full accreditation by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, Higgins noted.
“Kevin has provided steady and compassionate leadership of the department,” Higgins said in an email. “Leading by example, he helped instill a service-oriented police culture. He treats all people fairly and expects the same of his department. At a time when confidence in law enforcement around the country has been shaken, Kevin Kennedy has done everything within his power to earn the trust of the people of Lincoln. He will be missed. His Lincoln family wishes him a happy and healthy retirement.”
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Lincoln for 31 years. During my tenure, the Town took a chance on me, and I was afforded so many opportunities which furthered my career and personal growth. It was truly my good fortune to have worked alongside some exceptional people not only internally, but externally as well. Town employees, residents, colleagues on various boards and committees, and other law enforcement agencies all contributed to making me who I am today,” Kennedy wrote in his letter.
“The Lincoln community will always have a special place in my heart, I grew up here. I was welcomed and supported by so many residents as soon as I came to town. That has never wavered. The people are extraordinary, and the essence of the town is amazing. I could not have imagined working anywhere else.”
Kevin has been a superlative Chief for our town. For Lincoln to have a law enforcement leader — who was both a trained officer as well as a lawyer — meant that we had a rare and unique combination of skills. The Town is better for his service. Thank you Kevin (and the Kennedy family) for your contributions!
Let’s make sure he never has to buy a meal in Lincoln.