Shilpa Naik pins a badge on her husband, Chief Brian Sullivan.

By JON BAKER

LINCOLN — Marylou Sullivan claimed her eyes let her down.

She had hoped to avoid becoming teary-eyed when her son officially became the town’s new police chief, but couldn’t help herself.
“Yes, I cried, both before and after his speech,” she admitted after Brian W. Sullivan’s swearing-in ceremony before an overflow crowd inside Town Hall’s Council Chambers late Monday afternoon.
“I’m very proud of him; he went through an awful lot to get to this point, but he never gave up,” she added. “Brian has always had a ‘stick-to-it’ nature about him. It’s because he’s an Irish boy. He never gives up. I never thought I’d see this day come. I hoped and prayed for it, but I didn’t think it would happen. I remember being thrilled when he became an officer.”
At least five state judges, several General Assembly officials, former and current colleagues, four Town Councilors, family members and friends jammed the small auditorium to witness the grand event for Brian Sullivan, their own “home-grown” boy.
“The number of people who were here didn’t really surprise me,” the new chief beamed after posing for photos with family and friends. “When it became official (on March 18), I received a lot of cards and
phone calls offering support, and I was very touched by all of them.
“I’ve worked with a lot of these people in the past, so this is a humbling experience,” he added. “I wouldn’t be standing up here right now without their help. Everyone here has meant the world to me.
“I want to continue to work for the community and its needs,” he added. “I’ll be there to listen to their concerns. After all, residents, they’re our customers, and obviously, you want to please your customers.”
Sullivan, who just turned 48, became the seventh police chief since the department’s formation back in 1953. He joins the elite position formerly held by William Wright (1953-64), Thomas F. Stratton (1964-77), Richard H. Johanson (1977-81), Romeo J. Lanctot (1981), William P. Strain (1981-2001) and Robert T. Kells (2001-07).
Johanson and Strain were in attendance, as was Wright’s son, James.
Lincoln Lt. Raymond R. Bousquet presided over the ceremony, which began with the Presentation of the Colors by the town’s police department, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance (conducted by the Albion Boy Scouts/Troop 1) and a procession by the Rhode Island Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drum Corps; then an opening prayer by Rt. Rev. Exarch Joseph S. Haggar of the Church of St. Basil the Great and LPD chaplain.
Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond offered the oath of office, and -- with a simple “I do” -- Sullivan, a 26-year police veteran, ceremoniously moved from deputy to chief. His mom, wife Shilpa and four-year-old daughter Shaili then pinned on his new badge.
As expected during his approximate 12-minute speech, Sullivan thanked all in attendance, especially retired Chief Strain, who hired him as a patrolman back in 1988.
“I think Brian is a great selection for the department and the entire town,” said North Smithfield Police Chief Steve Reynolds Sr. “It proves that someone from within the department has the qualifications and expertise to do the job here in Lincoln. I think it says a lot for the department, and does a lot for morale. The Town Administrator said they have the most qualified person for the job, and I think he’s right.
“He’s a great cop, no doubt, but he still can’t hit a curveball,” he added with a giggle.
Stated Cumberland Police Chief John Desmarais: “I think he’s going to be a fantastic guy for Lincoln. Because of his experience, he’ll be a real asset to the department and Town of Lincoln, and I personally look forward to working with Brian.
“I’ve already told him, ‘Whatever you need, we’re a phone call away,’” he continued.
While well-wishers congratulated Sullivan, Almond said he had planned on conducting a search both inside and outside headquarters after Kells resigned in early October.
“We didn’t have to look outside,” he noted. “In this case, we had a very qualified candidate. This crowd shows the kind of support he has. It’s a real outpouring not only from the people of Lincoln but also those around the state. I’m very confident with Brian at the helm.”
Sullivan, a former Lincoln High student-athlete, has spent 26 years with the department, starting as a dispatcher shortly after earning a Bachelor’s in criminal justice from Shippensburg State (Pa.) College in 1982. Within the LPD, he also has worked as a patrolman, juvenile detective, sergeant, lieutenant and -- since 2002 -- deputy chief. He currently is enrolled at Salve Regina University, pursuing his Master’s of Science in the justice administration program.
“I remember when Brian was 20 years old, and he worked for me as a camp counselor at Fairlawn Park during the summer,” offered veteran Parks and Recreation Director Paul Prachniak. “He had a special way about him back then -- a friendly, sincere demeanor. He knew how to handle situations with the kids and parents. He was always calm and cool, always upbeat and very respectful.
“I’m not surprised he was chosen chief,” he added. “I feel like we have a real ally in him. He knows what Parks and Recreation is all about; I’ve dealt with Brian during every stage of his career as he climbed the ladder. In fact, he’s already approached me about bringing back the old Cops, Kids and Community Summer Basketball League, where a police officer or town official plays on a team with kids. He told me he’s already found funding to help the league flourish.
“That tells you what kind of man Brian is.”