Burlington Promotes New Deputy Chief, Swears In 2 Officers

BURLINGTON, MA — There's going to be a new chief in town soon, but that's not all.

One day before Deputy Chief Thomas Browne is sworn in as chief for the retiring Michael Kent, the town announced a Browne's replacement and two other new officers.

Robert Kirchner will become the new deputy chief, having being appointed during Monday's Select Board meeting. Kirchner, a 1982 Burlington High graduate, has been with the department for 32 years. He has been a captain since 2018.

As deputy chief, Kirchner will oversee recruitment, hiring, training, internal affairs and other parts of the department.

He's also been a Burlington Youth Hockey coach for more than 25 years.

"Deputy Chief Kirchner has been a leader in both the Town of Burlington and Department for many years," Browne said. "He will help ensure our officers perform at the highest levels, while holding the Department to the highest standards."

Officer Christopher Kelly had been a detective in the Nantucket Police Department since 2018, having served on the SWAT team and Honor Guard. He was among those who received the Meritorious Service Award in 2014 for de-escalating a potentially life-threatening situation without use of force.

Officer Brian Ricci was an intern in the Burlington Police Department in 2018 and has served the past couple years in the Bedford Police Department.

"Officer Kelly and Officer Ricci bring a depth of experience, knowledge, perspective, and skills to the Department," Browne said. "They reflect the mission of the Department and the core values of the Town of Burlington, and I look forward to working with them."