PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
Lynn Police Chief Kevin Coppinger declares his candidacy for sheriff of Essex County on Wednesday as his brother, retired Postmaster Richard Coppinger, looks on.
BY MICHELE DURGIN
LYNN — Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy summed up the feeling in the crowded Knights of Columbus Hall on Wednesday night packed with supporters of Police Chief Kevin Coppinger, who declared his candidacy for Essex County Sheriff.
“I am so very proud that one of Lynn’s very own wonderful people is running for this position,” she said. “Kevin has been a terrific, hardworking police chief and I am sure he’ll do just as great a job as sheriff. I am happy to support him.”
Fellow Democrat and Lynn resident Michael Marks is also in the race. Voters in 34 North Shore communities will go to the polls in September to choose a Democrat and a Republican to run in the November final election.
Coppinger has been thrilled with the positive response he has been getting from friends, family and supporters since his campaign has kicked off, he said.
“I am honored that people are so supportive and it gives me the drive to work harder and harder to win this,” he said. “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing and so many terrific people are asking for bumper stickers and lawn signs. So many Essex county police chiefs are here tonight to offer their support and last week I got an official endorsement from The Massachusetts Major Cities Chiefs of Police. I am grateful and humbled.”
Coppinger added that his goal is to take what he has learned in his position as police chief to the sheriff’s office.
“I will take my administrative skills, along with my public safety and law enforcement skills up to the sheriff’s office and expand and tweak the existing programs,” he said. “I consider myself a problem solver and I look forward to the opportunity to helping people feel safe in the community. I will work very hard to serve the citizens in the best way possible.”
Coppinger and his wife, Beth, are the parents of two sons, who were at the event to support their dad in his quest for the seat.
“Sean is 23 and Kevin is 20,” he said. “Both have been incredibly supportive and they have truly stepped up to help with the campaign.”
Kevin Burke, former district attorney of Essex County, Massachusetts secretary of public safety and current chairman of the Criminal Justice Department at Endicott College, was also in attendance and endorsed Coppinger.
“I have known Kevin for his entire professional career,” Burke said. “He understands the criminal justice system and works hard everyday. He’s a very easy person to support.”
Beth Coppinger said she was overwhelmed with the turnout and added, “How blessed we are to have such a wonderful group of family and friends come out tonight and stand united with us as we begin the journey. It is truly overwhelming.”
Supporter Caroline LaPierre, who was enjoying the evening with her husband, Peter, and grandson, Owen, spoke the words that were on the lips of most of the supporters in the hall when she said, “I am here to support the best candidate for the job. Kevin is a hardworking, good man who listens with his head and his heart. And, boy, we really need that today.”