Captain Tom Lee is stepping down from his post with the Boston Police Department’s Area A-1 to take on the role of chief of police for Portsmouth, R.I.
Lee, a more than 30-year veteran of Boston Police, succeeded Bernie O’Rourke as captain of Area A-1, which includes Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown and Downtown, in March of 2012. Prior to assuming the role of Area A-1 captain, Lee served as commander of BPD Special Operations.
“I made a lot of friends during my time on Beacon Hill and will greatly miss working with the community,” Lee said. “It’s been a great experience, and I’ve really appreciated the assistance of all my neighborhood partners in keeping the community safe.”
Lee also pointed to the 10-percent decrease in Part One (violent and property) crime during his tenure as captain as testament to the hard work of police officers in collaboration with the community.
“I’m leaving a very competent staff in place to continue our community policing program,” Lee said. “I will miss all of you. It’s been an honor to serve as your captain.”
Of his new position, Lee said, “I was presented with an opportunity for a new challenge in a new community and it seemed like a good fit for me and my family.”
Paula O’Keeffe, chair of the Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) Safety Committee, said, “Captain Lee will be sorely missed, especially for his sense of humor. He made a deep connection with the community during his short time on the job.”
Lee officially steps down from the captain’s post in mid-October, and the Boston Police Department has yet to name his successor.