Dublin’s newest police chief was sworn in Monday, surrounded by approximately 30 friends, family members, and townspeople.
Tim Suokko will take over for the retiring Steve Sullivan on Aug. 1. Suokko has been employed with the Dublin Police Department for the past four and a half years, and was promoted to the role of sergeant this past spring.
“I want to thank the town of Dublin for giving me this opportunity,” said Suokko, during a speech on Monday. “This is a place where people wave to you when you drive by.”
Sullivan told the Select Board on April 18 that he would retire from the force effective Aug. 1. Sullivan had been employed with the department since March 10, 2014.
In searching for a new police chief for the town, the Select Board elected to hire one of their own, noting the talent within the department. Selectman Paul Delphia said in June that Suokko came highly recommended from the town’s past two chiefs.
“I was a little overwhelmed when they approached me, but I’m ready for the challenge,” said Suokko.
Suokko has been working as a patrolman since 2006, having previously worked for the towns of New Ipswich and Princeton, Massachusetts. He also worked as a patrolman for Fitchburg State College.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.