With the Town Council chambers filled to overflowing with police officers from Charlestown and several neighboring towns, friends and family, and Charlestown citizens, former South Kingstown Police Captain Jeffrey Allen took the oath of office to become Charlestown's new Chief of Police.
It's a good thing that Charlestown is such a low-crime place because just about the entire force, plus all those other officers from around South County, were there to witness the ceremony and not out on the streets.
Chief Allen has been a Charlestown resident for a number of years and brings with him a terrific reputation, especially for community policing.
After being sworn in, Chief Allen made a brief but sincere and humble speech to express his gratitude to the town for this opportunity and pledging to do his utmost for the town. I was especially pleased to hear him address his assembled officers, thanking them for coming and expressing solidarity.
I wish him the best and hope he continues the way he began.