CONCORD — Robert Quinn, a 1979 graduate of Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Mass. was named colonel of the New Hampshire State Police yesterday..
Quinn graduated from Merrimack College in North Andover in 1983 and worked as a North Andover police officer before embarking on a 25-year career with the New Hampshire State Police.
His confirmation by the Executive Council as commander of the State Police was announced yesterday afternoon by Gov. John Lynch.
"One of state government's most fundamental responsibilities is to protect the safety of our citizens. Bob Quinn possesses the strong commitment to law enforcement, integrity and the management skills necessary to lead the New Hampshire State Police and keep New Hampshire one of the safest states in the nation," Lynch said yesterday in a statement.
Quinn, who now lives in Seabrook, N.H., joined the State Police in 1985, according to information provided by Lynch's office. In 1988, Quinn was selected for the Narcotics Investigation Unit and worked undercover until he was promoted to sergeant in 1998.
As a sergeant, Quinn supervised undercover troopers and helped coordinate multi-agency investigations. In 2003, Quinn became assistant unit commander of the Special Investigations Unit, managing intelligence files, and supervising the state's sex offender registry and gambling investigations. In 2005, Quinn was promoted to lieutenant, taking over command of Troop A in Epping.
Two years later, he was promoted to captain overseeing all administrative, personnel and enforcement matters for Troops A and E, which cover Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll counties.
Quinn is also a graduate of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Unit Commander's Academy and the FBI National Academy, both in Quantico, Va.
Quinn replaced Col. Frederick Booth, who recently retired after six years in the top post.
"Colonel Booth has had a long, distinguished career in the State Police, dedicating himself to protecting the people of New Hampshire. I thank him for his service to the people and to the State of New Hampshire," Lynch said.
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