Ruben Quesada Sworn In As New Swampscott Chief of Police

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — New Swampscott Chief of Police Ruben Quesada officially took the reins of the police department Wednesday night when the former Arizona police commander was sworn in as the town's top cop.

Quesada, who becomes the first public safety department head hired since the town voted to leave the Civil Service system in 2020, succeeds Ronald Madigan, who retired last June as the town's previous full-time chief.

"I promise to ensure our department will always pursue excellence and be mindful and constitutional policing," Quesada said. "We will demonstrate the values of 21st Century policing with trust, equity and a commitment to the social fabric of fair and impartial policing."

Quesada. who lives in Lowell, has a doctorate degree in criminal justice and has been working in law enforcement in Haverhill and Lawrence since moving to New England.

"Tonight is really an absolutely wonderful celebration," Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald said. "It's a celebration of a commitment to public service.

"I am thrilled and proud to be here tonight and be part of his story. His story is right out of a chapter in the American dream."

The former Mesa, Arizona police commander, who moved to New England in recent years to be closer to family members, was unanimously approved as Swampscott's new chief two weeks ago.

Quesada thanked his parents, friends, family and especially his wife, Robin, for their support throughout his career. He also thanked the members of the Swampscott Police Department and town officials for their faith in him as he takes the helm of the department.

"As I embark upon this journey as your police chief," Quesada said, "I want to acknowledge and pay homage to all the outstanding individuals who comprise the Swampscott Police Department. In the past couple of weeks, I have been witness to the caring. compassionate and dedicated members of this department.

"These individuals care about upholding the values of this community."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)