NASHUA — Michael Carignan is the new chief of the Nashua Police Department, a result of his Thursday swearing-in ceremony.

“I will fight hard every day to ensure that you have all of the tools, all the equipment, all the training and everything that you need to make you successful here at the Nashua Police Department,” Carignan said to his fellow officers. “I will treat you as a family member, and will ensure that your physical and mental health are of the utmost importance to me. I will do everything in my power to make sure that you go home safely every day to your loved ones.”

As former Chief Andrew Lavoie officially enters retirement, Carignan will now head the department. Nashua Police Commissioner Chairman James Tollner swore Carignan in, while his family members watched. This was certainly not the first time for him to take an oath.

Carignan began his work as a Nashua police officer in September 1993. He went on to spend his first four years on the force working as a patrolman, working community policing sectors in Railroad Square and at the Pheasant Lane Mall.

From there, he advanced to the newly formed Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Unit in 1997, spending time proactively investigating various street crimes, such as narcotics trafficking, thefts and quality of life crimes. In 2005, he received a promotion to the rank of sergeant. In 2009, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

His streak of success continued into 2012, as he was promoted to captain. In 2014, he was promoted once again, this time to the rank of deputy chief, a role in which he served until Thursday. He has been able to accomplish quite a lot in his 25 years with the department, and now steps into the highest role in the department.

“I promise to always be your chief, the chief of the Nashua Police Department,” Carignan said.

Tollner said as with Lavoie before him, Carignan has shown himself to be a leader, a man of integrity, one who is willing to stand up for what is right — and willing to stand up to those who do not believe in accountability.

“He is an excellent communicator, a good listener and one whose strength will be used to build relationships and bridges within the Nashua Police Department and the city of Nashua as a community,” Tollner said.

As Carignan’s first official act, he wanted to take a minute to recognize Judge James Leary, who retired July 1 and presented him with a token of his appreciation.

Moreover, in keeping with tradition, when an officer is sworn, a family member will usually pin them. Carignan’s mother was called forward to do so, hugging her son proudly before returning to her seat. Many sitting before him watching on as the ceremony unfolded also expressed a sense of pride, including Mayor Jim Donchess.

“Chief Carignan has done a great job for the city for a long time, and so I’m very proud to have him as the police chief,” Donchess said.

Donchess said that under Lavoie’s leadership, the department has been been engaging with the community, which Donchess believes is very important.

“It has really helped to ensure that we have a responsive police department that understands the community needs, and does a great job with dealing with the public,” Donchess said. “I’m very enthusiastic about Chief Carignan and I look forward to working with him.”

Another enthusiastic supporter of Carignan’s who was present to watch him be sworn in Thursday was his fourth-grade teacher at Main Dunstable School, Susanne Kaye.

“I’ve followed his career every time he’s taken the oath of office for another position,” Kaye said. “He was an awesome student and was just a great kid to have in class — very good student, smart student, eager to learn,” Kaye said.

As for Lavoie, he plans to be working for Municipal Resources Inc.

“I’m very happy for the new chief who is going to be amazing,” Lavoie said.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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