Outgoing Burlington Chief Michael Kent Is 'Outstanding Citizen'

BURLINGTON, MA — Outgoing Police Chief Michael Kent has been honored as the Burlington 4th of July Committee's "Oustanding Citizen" of 2021.

The chief will lead the procession of police vehicles on the annual Rolling Rally on the Fourth of July.

Kent is calling it a career at the end of this month. Deputy Chief Thomas Browne will be sworn in June 30.

Kent was appointed chief in 2010, the department's first chief appointed from outside the department.

"With a strong emphasis on training, our department now employs one of the most highly educated work forces in the area with more than 90% of members obtaining a college degree including 4 attorneys," the 4th of July Committee said. "Long before it was fashionable, the Chief recognized the need for officers that specialized in areas of domestic violence, elder abuse, drug addiction, fraud prevention and mental health intervention."

The committee also noted Burlington was one of the first departments to stock all its medical kits with Narcan.

"We salute Chief Kent for his accomplishments here in Burlington and wish him and his family all the best as he begins the next chapter of his life as 'Retired Chief'," the committee said.