June 10, 2004
ROMNEY SWEARS IN ROBBINS AS NEW STATE POLICE COLONEL
FRAMINGHAM- Governor Mitt Romney today swore in Thomas Robbins as the new Superintendent and Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police, praising his homeland security and leadership experience.
“At a time when homeland security is our number one public safety priority, Colonel Robbins has the extensive experience and vision to make the Massachusetts State Police a national model for both crime fighting and terror prevention,” said Romney, who administered the oath of office to Robbins during a ceremony at the State Police Headquarters in Framingham.
During his nearly 25 years with the State Police, Robbins has served in every major division of the organization. Just months after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Robbins was deployed to Logan Airport as Director of Aviation Security where he spearheaded many new anti-terrorist strategies. In February 2002, he was appointed the airport’s State Police Troop Commander, where he continued to make security enhancements that have helped make Logan a national model for aviation security.
After entering the State Police Academy in 1979, Major Robbins joined the force in 1980, having graduated first in his class of 50. During his years of service with the State Police, he has served as an instructor and as Commandant at the Academy, Supervisor of the North Shore Anti Gang Violence Unit and Station Commander at the Andover Barracks.
State law requires the Governor to select the Superintendent of State Police from within the department. All those holding the rank above lieutenant are eligible for the appointment. Romney interviewed four candidates selected from an original pool of 22 applicants before selecting Robbins on June 2, 2004.
“Law enforcement in the post-9/11 world has taken on the additional challenge of anti-terrorism,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward A. Flynn. “Colonel Robbins is the right person to build on the strong history of the State Police to ensure that it is focused on the highest value missions that have the greatest impact on public safety and homeland security.”
The Massachusetts State Police, created in 1865, is the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in the United States. Originally 33 men led by a constable, the State Police is today comprised of approximately 2,300 highly trained Troopers. The current leadership structure dates back to 1974. Colonel Robbins will be the eleventh Colonel and Superintendent of the State Police.
“I am proud and honored to accept the distinguished rank of Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police,” said Colonel Robbins. “I joined this Department because I wanted to share in the proud history that is steeped in a tradition of excellence, honor and esprit de corps. I look forward to the challenges ahead and I am confident in the ability of the men and women on this department who will stand with me in meeting those challenges.
Colonel Robbins begins serving in his new capacity immediately.
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