Russell Jenkins Sworn in as Braintree's 9th Police Chief

Dozens of police officers from around Massachusetts joined local and state officials and Braintree residents on Wednesday at Town Hall to watch Russell Jenkins being sworn in as the town's newest police chief.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan read the oath of office to Jenkins, calling it an "historic occasion." Since 1909, when the first chief was appointed without pay, Braintree has had eight chiefs, Sullivan said, making Jenkins the ninth.

"It's a different job today than it was even five years ago," Sullivan said, adding that there is more emphasis on services and community involvement.

"I know Russ will lead us in that regard," he said.

Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey called Jenkins a "well-deserved choice," while the chief expressed his appreciation for his selection.

"I can't begin to explain how proud I am," Jenkins said. "I'm excited about this chapter in my life... I look forward to the challenges. I hope we can work together to improve our services, even just a little bit."

Jenkins served as Deputy Chief for eight years prior to his appointment. He has been with the Braintree Police Department for nearly 30 years, and follows Paul Frazier, who retired in August after 19 years as Braintree's top cop.

Out of an original group of 22, Sullivan and a selection committee whittled the applicants down to three finalists last month. Jenkins and the other two – Framingham Deputy Chief Craig Davis and New York Police Lt. Richard Rudolph – were then interviewed publicly by local officials and a former Shrewsbury Police Chief.