SWAMPSCOTT —  Four officers were sworn in, and two were promoted to lieutenant for their outstanding work in their departments during a Select Board meeting on July 21.

Police Chief Ruben Quesada had the privilege of leading the ceremony, recognizing the following officers: Brendan Reen, Steve Luck, Samantha Holey, Nathaniel Espinal, Stephen Coughlin, and Kevin Kaufman.

Quesada said, “Whether you are newly entering this profession or taking on even greater responsibilities in the department, it requires immense courage, resilience, and a profound sense of duty.” 

Brendan Reen, a 20-year veteran of the police department, was promoted to Lieutenant, demonstrating his sense of responsibility and leadership. 

Reen attended UMass Lowell, where he received his master’s degree, and went on to become a recipient of over 49 commendations, including a life-saving award. He’s a police academy instructor, field training officer, public information officer, and assistant harbor master. 

Quesada referred to Reen as an “All-around great guy.”

Steve Luck was also promoted to Lieutenant alongside Reen. He’s a 24-year veteran of the police department with a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State University.

Luck has over 56 commendations in his career. He is a special events coordinator and incident commander during special events. He’s also a field training program coordinator and a mental health task force committee member.

Quesada said Luck is “an all-around steady, reliable, trusted, and respected individual in our department.” 

He added, “Tonight we celebrate his promotion, and we know that he’ll do great things for our department.”

Aside from the two officers promoted to lieutenant, four were officially sworn in.

For Samantha Holey, who has a family history of policing, the swearing-in marks her first step into their legacy. 

Holey is originally from Lynn, has a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University, and a master’s degree in Homeland Security from Endicott.

Quesada said, “We know that she will bring so much value to our police department, and we’re so glad to have her.”

Nathaniel Espinal is also originally from Lynn. He previously worked in a family automotive business and volunteers much of his time with his religious congregation. 

Espinal recently graduated from the police academy and is currently in the Swampscott field training program.

However, Quesada noted that this isn’t the only notable moment this year for Espinal, who will be celebrating his wedding in August. Espinal’s fiancée was one of many Swampscott police family members who attended the ceremony. 

Stephen Coughlin is the Swampscott Police Department’s first-ever out-of-state lateral police officer from the Houston Police Department. 

Coughlin originally grew up in Malden and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University. 

Quesada said, “We couldn’t be more excited to have him. So, thank you to Steve’s family and congratulations, Steve.”

Kevin Kaufman graduated from the academy in mid-April. He graduated originally from Anna Maria College with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and before coming to Swampscott for the Department of Homeland Security with the TSA. He has recently graduated from the field training program.

Quesada said, “I didn’t know if Kevin would be here tonight, and I said, if you see a young kid, good-looking, dapper young man in uniform with a great smile, you know that’s him.”

Ending the swearing-in ceremony and promotion of two lieutenants, Quesada said, “Know that you carry the hopes, the respect, and the full backing of our entire town. We ask that you be fair, compassionate, and have a heart filled with the desire to serve in all your daily interactions.”

Quesada added, “To the family of those loved ones here today, thank you for sharing them with us. We recognize the quiet sacrifices you have made and will make in the years to come. We are deeply grateful for your support. Welcome and congratulations to all of you.”