Michael Mageary (second from left) took the oath of office as new deputy chief of the Lynn Police Department. Mageary is pictured after the oath of office ceremony with Chief Kevin Coppinger, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, and Deputy Chief Leonard Desmaris.
Michael Mageary knew he wanted to be a police officer when he was a student at Eastern Junior High School in Lynn.
Mageary chose to attend Lynn Tech so he would have a trade (graphic arts) to fall back on just in case he didn’t realize his dream of being a police officer.
“I remember telling my teachers that my goal was to be a cop,” said Mageary. “When I made captain [in the Lynn Police Department], one of my teachers at Tech gave me a call and said, ‘You know what, you said what you were going to do and you did it.’’’
Tuesday night as friends, professional colleagues, and members of his proud family looked on, Michael Mageary took the oath of office as the new deputy chief of the Lynn Police Department at a ceremony in Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy’s Office at City Hall.
Mayor Kennedy congratulated Mageary on his new position immediately following the ceremony that was administered by Assistant City Clerk Janet Rowe.
“I’ve known Mike Mageary for a long time,” said Kennedy. “I’ve known him as a coach. I’ve known him as a friend. I’ve known him as a great guy. And we couldn’t have a more deserving person judging by the people in this room.”
Mageary, 52, succeeds former deputy chief Kenneth Santoro, who held the position for 14 years before his retirement in July.
Chief Kevin Coppinger and Deputy Chief Leonard Desmaris led a large contingent representing the Lynn Police Department at the ceremony.
“I’m looking forward to working with Deputy Chief Mageary,” said Coppinger. “He has had a distinguished career with the department. He started out on patrol and served in the Juvenile Unit for some time and was most recently assigned to Professional Standards which is a very important position in our department and he did an excellent job there.”
Coppinger said Mageary was a superb candidate to take on the additional administrative responsibilities of the deputy chief’s position.
“He’s transitioning nicely into the deputy chief’s role,” said Coppinger. “I really think his heart’s in this job – he’s really wanted to do this all his life. I wish him well.”
Mageary said at a celebration at his Lynn home that he was honored by the promotion.
“I’m thrilled to be the new deputy chief,” said Mageary.
A 1980 graduate of Tech, Mageary attended Westfield State College before transferring to Salem State where he received a degree in Political Science. He also holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.
Mageary joined the Lynn Police Department in 1986. He has served with distinction for 28 years, most recently as captain prior to his promotion to deputy chief.
Mageary was asked what he likes about being a member of the Lynn Police Department.
“Helping people – that’s the big thing,” said Mageary. “I’ve always enjoyed that. It’s the little things that make a difference.”
He said he is looking forward to his new role in the department.
“I think I’m ready to be the deputy chief and to work with Chief Coppinger and Deputy Chief Desmaris – two great guys who have helped me a lot already. There will be a big learning curve. Deputy Chief Santoro was there for 14 years and had a lot of institutional knowledge. But he’s trained me really well for my new position.”
Mageary and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Jennifer, 22, a graduate of UMass/Amherst and a teacher in the Lynn school system, and Brendan, 20, a student at Salem State University. His father, Skip Mageary, has been a well-known official and umpire in youth baseball for many years.
Michael Mageary was a youth sports coach for several years. He coached his son and teammates such as Vanderbilt University pitcher Ben Bowden on the Greater Lynn Babe Ruth All-Star Team that advanced to the State Tournament.
Mageary thanked his wife and family for their support throughout his career in the Police Department and his involvement as a coach and in other community endeavors.
“My wife is unbelievable – if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’ve been doing in my career and as a coach. I’m really fortunate to have her.”
Jennifer Mageary summed up the sentiments of the family and those who have watched Michael Mageary become the highly respected police officer and coach that he is.
“I’ve never been more proud of my father,” said Jennifer. “I’ve never seen a man work as hard to be the man he is more than my father has – ever. I’m very proud and I’m so happy to be here today with everyone that we love and celebrate his hard work.”