The Youngest Brookline Police Chief

BROOKLINE, MA — This morning in an elite ceremony Town Clerk "swore in" the youngest Brookline police chief ever to taken the reins of the department. Graham Horowitz thanked the outgoing Chief Dan O'Leary and the team that selected him and called upon the crowd gathered to be kind to one another in an impromptu speech.

"Be nice to everyone you see. And have a fun time," he said before setting off in uniform with his fellow officers. As they approached one of the new cruisers, officers asked him if he was going to drive. Horowitz paused with one foot in the passenger side of the cruiser and said "Uh, I don't think I'm allowed."

It was a trick question: Horowitz is not quite 11 years old. He's a fifth grader at Pierce School and was sworn in as Police chief for the day as part of the police departments increasing community relations efforts. In April the department announced a 500-word essay contest for Brookline 5th graders. Contestants had to answer the question: “If I were a Police Chief for a Day, what would I do to make Brookline safer?” Some 80 essays later, Horowitz was chosen by a team of police officers for his essay, which suggested cracking down on those who text and drive, and having police swing by playgrounds to chat with kids in an effort to reduce bullying.

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"This is such a great idea," said Graham's mother, Serene Srouji who noted the Pierce community already felt grateful for the Brookline Police. "But this way of engaging is very meaningful," she said.

Pierce Principal said she wasn't surprised that Graham had won the contest. "I'm not surprised because Graham is amazing. This whole thing is amazing. Our motto this year is #PiercePride, so this is one more reason to be proud of Pierce," said Principal Cris Kelley.

This is the first time in recent history officers remember such a program in Brookline. The late Lt. June Murphy spearheaded it and officer Dana Inchierca who was chairman on the selection committee made sure the department followed through on it.

Inchierca drove Graham sans family to the police station complete with lights and siren, helped guide him on a tour of the station, introducing him to the morning roll call, the detectives division. Throughout the morning whenever officers passed him, they greeted him with a "Good morning," chief on his way through the hallways and as he tried out several hands-on scenarios including a controlled motor vehicle stop.

So what did Graham think about all this? He couldn't wait to get his hands on the uniform, which, incidentally fit pretty well. As for his future plans?

"I haven't really planned my future yet since I'm 10, but it would be a cool job," he said.

Chief O'Leary will be back from his day golfing tomorrow, he told Patch with a wink.

Check out the video of the day:

Photos of Graham Horowitz and Chief Dan O'Leary by Jenna Fisher/ Patch