Published August 5, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
POLICE CAPTAIN NICK SECATORE
LYNNFIELD — A familiar face is the Lynnfield Police Department’s newest captain.
The Board of Selectmen recently appointed Police Sgt. Detective Nick Secatore as the department’s new captain. He succeeds former Captain Karl Johnson, who retired in January.
Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett said Police Chief David Breen recommended that Secatore succeed Johnson. He said Secatore was “the top-ranked candidate on the promotional list provided by Civil Service.” He said Town Administrator Rob Dolan also recommended that Secatore be appointed captain.
Barrett recalled that Secatore grew up in town and attended Lynnfield Public Schools.
“Nick is a proud member of the community who does great work,” said Barrett.
Secatore has worked for the Lynnfield Police Department for 13 years.
“I have held several positions within the department,” said Secatore. “I have been the department’s internet technology officer, court prosecutor, detective supervisor, training supervisor, the town’s deputy Emergency Management director and have had other administrative tasks. I have enjoyed every position. I have received training in many areas of policing, including criminal law, investigations, budgeting, supervision and others. I have been given a great opportunity by the town of Lynnfield, for which my family and I are grateful.”
Before joining the Lynnfield Police Department in 2007, Secatore worked as a financial analyst for Fidelity Investments. He earned a mathematics degree from Merrimack College. He is also a Marine Corps veteran.
“As a member of the community and a volunteer, I have been involved in sports and veterans’ advocacy,” said Secatore in an email sent to the Villager. “I was a youth wrestling coach for Lynnfield Youth Wrestling from 2000 to 2012. I was an assistant coach for the Lynnfield-North Reading co-op wrestling team from 2012 to 2019. I served as the Veterans’ Services officer for the town of Lynnfield from 2009 to 2014. I am a current member of the Lynnfield War Memorial Committee.”
Breen recalled that the Police Department administered an assessment center exam as part of the promotional process. He said the department had “three great candidates.”
“The results came back and Sgt. Secatore came in at number one,” said Breen. “He has been performing many tasks above his grade not just in the last six months, but well before that. He is well regarded within the department and in the community. I am personally very happy to recommend Sgt. Secatore for the position of captain in the Lynnfield Police Department.”
Barrett noted Secatore is “very humble” when it comes to highlighting his work accomplishments.
“We certainly know the great work Nick does for the Lynnfield Police Department,” said Barrett. “He does a lot of work behind the scenes, which the community doesn’t always see.”
Selectman Dick Dalton said Breen has repeatedly kept the board in the loop about the Police Department’s staff.
“Anytime the conversation gets around to Nick, he is very complimentary,” said Dalton. “Rob Dolan has worked with Nick the last couple of years, and he has been very complimentary of him as well. I think Nick will make a fine captain and I am certainly in favor of his appointment.”
Selectman Phil Crawford said he has known Secatore for a number of years and has a great deal of respect for him.
“I can’t believe Nick has been on the force for almost 15 years because I remember when Nick was in high school,” said Crawford. “Nick has been as good as everyone has said. The chief has always spoken very highly of Nick. I have had the chance to work with Nick on certain issues in town, and he has been fantastic. Congratulations Nick on receiving the top ranking on the exam. I think Nick will make a great captain.”
Secatore thanked the selectmen for their kind words. He also thanked his family and friends for logging onto the Zoom teleconference call to show their support.
“I just want to take a moment to reaffirm to the board that I will serve as captain with the integrity that is required to be a Lynnfield Police Officer,” said Secatore.
Barrett said Secatore has been “an exemplary police officer.”
“You are an outstanding police officer and a fine gentleman,” said Barrett. “You have been a good friend for many years.”
After the discussion, the selectmen unanimously voted to appoint Secatore as the Police Department’s next captain.
“Congratulations captain,” said Barrett. “I know you are going to follow the great lead of the chief. Keep up the great work. We greatly appreciate your service.”
Secatore thanked the selectmen for appointing him captain.
