ICYMI: Swampscott Man To Serve As Special Deputy Sheriff

SWAMPSCOTT, MA – Essex County Sheriff-Elect Kevin Coppinger announced three top leadership positions for the department on Thursday, including a Swampscott native.

William F. Gerke, Jr., will return to his hometown of Swampscott to serve as Special Deputy Sheriff for the Essex County Sheriff's Department (ECSD). Gerke most recently served as Director of Security and Safety for the state of Vermont.

Attorney Dennis Newman of Reading was named chief of staff, and Monica Harris of Lynn will serve as executive assistant. They will officially begin on Jan. 4, following Coppinger’s inauguration.

"With the assistance of my transition team, I have chosen individuals whose combined experience, skill sets and abilities will provide a strong leadership team working with me to bring positive results," said Coppinger in a statement. "The transition period will continue over the new few months as we assess the future staffing and program needs at ECSD. I am looking forward to beginning this important job."

Gerke's career experience includes 33 years with the U.S. Marshals Service as a Criminal Investigator, and as U.S. Marshals Vermont Senior Manager. Gerke is recognized as a physical and personal security expert and has Top Secret National Security Information Clearance.

Gerke holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University, and is a graduate of and instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia. He has received extensive training in law enforcement leadership, emergency management, and security.

Coppinger is the former Lynn Police Chief, and was elected to replace longtime Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins in November. To read more about Coppinger, read his candidate profile.

Image of Kevin Coppinger via Taylor Rapalyea/Patch Staff