EAST BRIDGEWATER — East Bridgewater Police Chief Michael E. Jenkins and Deputy Chief Michael McLaughlin have announced that they will retire from the East Bridgewater Police Department, effective Jan. 30, 2027.
Jenkins has served in law enforcement since 1989, including nearly 30 years with the East Bridgewater Police Department. McLaughlin has dedicated more than 30 years to the East Bridgewater Police Department and has served as Deputy Chief since Jenkins appointed him in 2023. In that role, McLaughlin has worked closely with Jenkins in leading the organization and overseeing the Department’s daily operations.
The two have worked side by side for many years in various leadership roles within the Department. After discussing their respective plans for the future, Jenkins and McLaughlin ultimately decided that retiring together on the same date would be the right way to conclude their careers with the East Bridgewater Police Department.
“This is not a decision either of us made lightly,” said Chief Jenkins. “Mike and I have worked side by side for many years, through a lot of changes, challenges, and successes. We have shared a great deal of responsibility for this Department, and after talking about our plans, we felt that retiring together was the right decision for both of us and for our families.”
Jenkins began his law enforcement career in 1989. He later served with the Abington Police Department before joining the East Bridgewater Police Department in 1997.
During his nearly three decades with EBPD, Jenkins served in numerous positions, including Reserve Officer, Patrol Officer, Task Force Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Investigation Unit Supervisor, Deputy Chief and Chief of Police. He also served as the unit commander of the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Mobile Command Unit, supporting regional SWAT, Search and Rescue, and Crisis Negotiation Team operations.
As Chief, Jenkins has overseen a number of significant initiatives and organizational improvements, including achieving Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) certification, transitioning to regional emergency communications, implementing the Department’s first Body-Worn Camera Program, establishing the Town’s first Police Drone Program, creating the Department’s first Patrol K-9 Program through private donations and establishing its first Comfort Dog Program through grant funding.
Under Jenkins’ leadership, the Department also expanded its investigative and technological capabilities, strengthened policies and procedures, moved away from the civil service system and worked to restore staffing levels.
Throughout his career, Jenkins has secured more than $1 million in grant funding to support public safety initiatives, including technology, equipment, training, traffic safety and other Department programs.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” Jenkins said. “But when I look back on my career, what I will remember most are the people. The men and women of this Department are dedicated professionals who come to work every day and serve this community under challenging circumstances. It has been my greatest privilege to work alongside them and to lead this organization.”
Deputy Chief McLaughlin said he is grateful for the opportunity to have served the East Bridgewater community and the members of the Police Department.
“It has been an honor to serve the Town of East Bridgewater and to work alongside the men and women of this Department,” said Deputy Chief McLaughlin. “Mike and I have spent many years working together, and I am proud of what we have accomplished. We felt that ending this chapter together was the right decision. I am grateful for the relationships and friendships that have been built throughout my career and for the opportunity to serve this community.”
Chief Jenkins and Deputy Chief McLaughlin will remain in their respective positions and continue to serve the Town through Jan. 30, 2027.
“Until Jan. 30, we remain fully committed to the East Bridgewater Police Department and the community we serve,” Jenkins said. “Our focus over the coming months will be maintaining strong operations, supporting our personnel, preparing future leaders and ensuring a professional and orderly transition.”
Jenkins and McLaughlin also expressed their appreciation to the Town’s elected and appointed officials, municipal employees, regional law enforcement partners, public safety agencies, community organizations and residents of East Bridgewater for their support throughout their careers.
“Serving East Bridgewater has been an incredible privilege,” Jenkins said. “I am incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me to serve as Chief and for the opportunity to work alongside so many outstanding people. East Bridgewater has been my professional home for nearly 30 years, and I will always be proud of the opportunity I was given to serve this community.”
McLaughlin added, “I am proud of the work we have done and, most importantly, proud of the people who make up this Department. I am confident that the men and women of the East Bridgewater Police Department will continue to serve this community with the same professionalism and dedication they have demonstrated throughout our careers.”
Town officials will work with the Police Department to plan for the leadership transition and ensure continuity of police services for the East Bridgewater community.
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