A walkout ceremony was held for Rockland Police Chief John Llewellyn, who retired after 34 years of service to the town. He’s been Chief of the Department since 2006.
With one final salute, Llewellyn hugged every single one of his officers who lined up outside of the station.
“It’s truly my family. There’s not a single officer here that I wouldn’t run into a burning building with. I trust them with my life,” Llewellyn told WATD. “I’m sad to leave them, but I’m happy to move onto the next phase of my life. It’s mixed emotions today.”
Hundreds of people were in attendance, including retired and current police chiefs from around the state. He served as Unit Commander of the MetroLEC Motorcycle Unit, and Special Response Team Leader. Dozens of officers lined their motorcycles, and stood in formation for the ceremony.
Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz was among the speakers, and said being a police chief or officer is not easy, especially in current times. But Llewellyn’s leadership is something that stands out.
“I’ve been the DA now for 21 years, and I have dealt with many different chiefs, and I can honestly say that in dealing with Chief Llewellyn, whenever he and I talked, it was never about problems, it was always about how can we resolve something,” said Cruz.
“‘Is there something going on here? What can we do to make sure that we get to the end of the road, and make sure that most importantly that the right thing happens, whatever that may be.’ … That’s what a leader is – making difficult decisions, and going forward from there.”
Llewellyn joined the department in 1988 in a part-time role. He was promoted to a full-time role in 1994, and was appointed to the detective bureau in 1996. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1999, and Deputy Chief in 2004.
Outside of the department, he ran seven Boston Marathons to raise money for Cops for Kids with Cancer, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and explored the Appalachian Trail.
In his remarks, Llewellyn thanked the crowd, and said he was humbled by the turnout. He thanked his wife, Officer Sue Llewellyn, and his daughter, Ashley, for their support.
He spoke about the bond formed in the police department, from strangers, to family.
Listen to his remarks here:
Middleboro Police Chief Joe Perkins was representing the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association during the ceremony. Perkins had the chance to attend the FBI Academy with Llewellyn.
“He is a mentor to all the other chiefs in the area, as the Senior Chief of Plymouth County,” said Perkins. “The day I was named chief, my first day, the first place I came was to Rockland … I wanted to be with the guy that mentored me, and that I looked up to, and I respected. I’ll always be in debt to you for your leadership and guidance you’ve given me as chief.”
In Plymouth County, he said chiefs wear four stars on their shoulders. He presented Llewellyn with a 5th Star Award, in honor of his retirement.
In addition, he was presented citations from the State Senate and House of Representatives, from State Rep. Dave DeCoste, and Senator John Keenan.
After the ceremony, Llewellyn was asked if there was a moment that stood out during his tenure.
“I think becoming chief was my ultimate goal when I joined the department,” said Llewellyn.
“When that finally happened, I’ll be honest, the first day I came in, I sat in that chair, I was scared stiff,” he told WATD. “I think that was the biggest honor, and then culminating today with the entire department being here to support it.”
Llewellyn was asked about serving the Rockland community, and how the department has evolved through the years.
“It’s not me, it’s the men and women that are out there, doing the right thing every single day,” said Llewellyn. “I’ve been fortunate, my command staff has held them to that standard. Their conduct has to be better than the average joe citizen. I think they do a great job of that.”
Lieutenant Nick Zeoli was the unanimous choice by the Selectmen to be the next chief of the department. Zeoli started with the Police Department in 1993, and was promoted to a full-time role in 1996. He’s been a Lieutenant since 2009.
Llewellyn is confident Zeoli has the skillset to lead the department in the future.
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- Rockland Police Chief John Llewellyn. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
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- Rockland Police Chief John Llewellyn shook hands and hugged each member of the department outside the station. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
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- Member towns of the MetroLEC motorcycle unit. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
