Malden closed the books on a big chapter Tuesday as Police Chief Glenn Cronin, a familiar face at the Malden Police Department for 32 years, wrapped up his final day on duty with a surprise send-off. After a last round of meetings at Malden City Hall, Cronin joined family, friends and fellow officers for a farewell gathering where colleagues talked up his steady leadership and long-standing ties to the community.
Photos From The Celebration
The City of Malden released a photo album documenting Cronin’s last day on the job, the reception and the moment he was formally recognized. Hosted on the city’s Flickr page, the collection offers a snapshot of the ceremony and the crowd that turned out to salute him; view the album on Flickr.
Officials On Hand And The Accreditation Note
A short department video posted by Malden Police shows Mayor Gary Christenson and Police Commissioner Barbara Murphy among those publicly thanking Cronin for his decades of service. That same post highlighted the department’s recent recognition as a state accreditation milestone, while city records show the Malden Police Department was accredited by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission in July 2024, according to the City of Malden.
Incoming Chief Named
City leaders had already announced who will take the reins next. Captain Marc Gatcomb was selected by Mayor Gary Christenson to succeed Cronin after Gatcomb’s long career in Malden, according to Patch. Gatcomb has led the Criminal Investigations Division and served as the department’s public information officer, and is expected to move into the chief’s role as the transition unfolds. The farewell event doubled as an early public look at that handoff and the changing of command.
A Career Remembered
The department’s video notes that Cronin is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s session 227, a point highlighted in the Malden Police post, and attendees at the gathering praised his role guiding the department through investigations and community-focused work. For those who did not make it to the ceremony, the video and the city’s Flickr album together offer a clear record of Cronin’s send-off and the start of the transition to new leadership.
