Swampscott Police, Chief Madigan honored by ADL

Swampscott police Chief Ronald Madigan came in for special honors last week as North Shore legal, education, law enforcement and interfaith leaders came together to explore issues related to the persistence of hate and bullying in our schools at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Essex County Law and Education Day.

“Ron and the Swampscott Police Department understand what hate crimes are and how to respond to them, minimizing the fearful impact they can have on a community,” said Jim Rudolph, ADL Regional Board Chairman-elect.

“Under Chief Madigan’s leadership, the response to the recent incidents at the Chabad Lubavitch in Swampscott was exemplary. He is a law enforcement leader who understands and supports the ADL mission to fight hatred and bigotry. We wish there were more Ron Madigans,” Rudolph said.

Vandals scribbled graffiti inside the synagogue on Oct. 1, 2005, only days before the High Holy Days. Rabbi Yossi Lipsker, spiritual leader of the congregation, said soon thereafter, “The only nice thing is to once again see the absolute kindness and understanding, the sensitivity, of the Swampscott Police Department.”

Then, on the afternoon of Oct. 22, a van parked outside the synagogue was found ablaze. Three juveniles were arrested on Dec. 19 and 20 and charged with the arson and its destruction.

The Honorable Sally F. Padden, First Justice of the Juvenile Court Department, Essex County Division, led a panel discussion, “Identifying and Responding to Hate and Bullying in our Schools.” The Law and Education Day breakfast was held at Peabody City Hall.

“Acts of hate, bullying, racial slurs and ethnic jokes have become all too common in our schools, to the point where students and even teachers might not recognize them as harmful or know how to respond,” noted Andrew Tarsy, regional director for ADL New England. “This is a great opportunity to raise awareness and encourage dialogue by bringing together a panel that is representative of those who are confronted with and respond to these issues every day.”

Madigan joined the Swampscott Police Department in 1980 after receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University. In 2001, Madigan was appointed to his current position as chief. He has spent his entire career with the Swampscott Police Department where he worked as a patrolman until 1993 when he was promoted to sergeant. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1998 and became captain in 1999.

Over the years, Madigan has walked a beat on Humphrey Street, rode as a member of the Bike Patrol Unit and worked with the Detective Unit, where he was promoted to supervisor.

He has also overseen a number of “community policing” initiatives.

The chief, however, told selectmen Monday night that his award should be shared with all the other officers who shared in the investigation.

“They all understand the need to take a stand against hate and intolerance in general,” Madigan said Monday.

Other breakfast panelists with Padden included Lynn police officer Robert Ferrari, who is the school resource officer at Breed Middle School in Lynn, and Douglas Shube, junior class president and ADL peer leader at Marblehead High School.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.