YARMOUTH – From Yarmouth Police: On Monday, the Yarmouth Police Department held a Change of Command Ceremony where the reins of leadership were handed from Chief Frank Frederickson to Chief Kevin Lennon. Town Administrator Robert Whritenour served as Master of Ceremonies and officially welcomed Chief Lennon into his new role in front of peers, subordinates, and residents.
This marks the end of an era as Chief Frederickson departs as the last police officer hired in the 1970s. As with his tradition, he couldn’t end the day without ice cream!
We congratulate Chief Frederickson on his well deserved retirement and thank him for his steadfast leadership.
We welcome Chief Lennon as our new chief and look forward to his leadership as we congratulate him on his new role.
The tradition of the change of command goes back to the time of the Roman Legions where the passing of the commander’s baton occurred in front of the troops to signify the leader who would take them into battle. In the Middle Ages, it was not uncommon for the soldiers in the field to be unaware of who their commanders were or what they looked like. The formal change of command ceremony afforded the troops to opportunity to witness the proceedings and to actually see their commander.
The continental army of the United States conducted the first official change of command ceremony in America. This is the basis for which present ceremonies are derived.
Today, the primary purpose of the change of command ceremony is to allow subordinates to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another. These ceremonies ensure the preservation of tradition and stimulate esprit de corps.
All photos by John P. Carroll/CWN
