Everett council unanimously appoints Paul Strong as police chief

The Everett City Council voted unanimously to appoint Captain Paul Strong as chief of the Everett Police Department, effective July 1, 2024, for a three-year term through June 30, 2027. The council recorded the appointment as 10 yeas and 0 nays.

After the roll-call vote and a ceremonial oath, Strong thanked council members, city staff and his family and outlined his priorities for the department. "My message to you is simple. Come to work, do the best job you can, look good, have pride in your job, look out for yourselves and your partners, but more importantly, take care of the people in your community," Strong said.

Strong described a three-decade policing career in the Greater Boston area and noted recent departmental initiatives: a dedicated community outreach officer, a full-time clinician from Elliott Mental Health who works with outreach efforts, plans to expand foot and bike patrols in city parks, and an expansion of the traffic division. He also committed to continuing drug-enforcement efforts while emphasizing treatment pathways for residents in need.

The swearing-in included a brief invocation and time for family photographs; several elected officials and community members attended. Council procedures allowed a short recess so family and officials could gather for photos and the chief’s remarks.

No council debate was recorded before the vote. The council passed the appointment by an announced unanimous tally, and Strong’s term is set to begin July 1.