March 17, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Hingham Police Lieutenant Ryan O'Shea was formally sworn in as Hingham's new deputy police chief on Monday, surrounded by Police Chief David Jones and other fellow police officers, Town Hall employees who gathered on the front steps, and family members.
O'Shea's wife, Lt. Amanda O'Shea of the Scituate Police Department, pinned her husband's badge on his uniform after he was sworn in by Town Clerk Eileen McCracken.
The position -- recently vacated when Jones was named the new police chief -- was recently posted internally. O'Shea was the sole candidate, according to Town Administrator Tom Mayo.
Following interviews with Mayo, Assistant Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur, Fire Chief Steve Murphy, and Jones, the group unanimously agreed that O'Shea was more than qualified for the position.
"[The swearing-in ceremony] was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate his career and his dedication [to the HPD and the town]," Mayo said at last night's remote Selectmen's meeting.
Jones has worked with O'Shea in various roles. "I've always known him to be fair, firm, and consistent," he said. "He rose through the ranks and has served as a role model for other officers, expressing integrity, leadership, and other HPD core values. I'm excited to start working with him in his new role."
O'Shea -- who grew up in Hingham and attended the Hingham Public Schools -- was on the line, and when asked to comment called his promotion "an extraordinary opportunity."
The new deputy chief said he will continue to work with, and for, his fellow Hingham police officers and the community. "Our most important asset is our personnel," he said.
O'Shea is also committed "to strengthening [the department's] community connections as we rebound from COVID."
He looks forward to listening and learning. "We're one drop individually, but together we are an ocean," he said.