I’m honored and I’m humbled by the opportunity, and the confidence that the council and the town administrator has for me.”

Col. Brian Peters

PORTSMOUTH — Brian Peters, who retired as the town’s deputy police chief last year after 20 years with the force, has been selected to succeed Chief Thomas Lee as the head of the Portsmouth Police Department. 

To great applause, the Town Council Monday night voted unanimously to ratify Town Administrator Richard Rainer Jr.’s appointment of Col. Peters as the town’s new police chief. He’s currently the interim police chief in Bristol, a position he’s held since March.

Several members of the police force — including a few retired officers — attended the meeting to congratulate Col. Peters on his appointment in what turned out to be a reunion of sorts.

Chief Peters’ first day of work is July 10, and he will take over as interim chief when Chief Lee leaves office the following day.

“I’m excited,” said Chief Peters. “I’m honored and I’m humbled by the opportunity, and the confidence that the council and the town administrator has for me. When I started out here, I was just happy working here. I never thought of being the chief, so this is just a great opportunity.”

Chief Lee appeared to be as happy as his successor Monday night.

“It feels great,” he said. “I couldn’t think of a better ending to my career than to pass on the Portsmouth Police Department to Brian Peters. From my first day here, when I appointed Brian my deputy, I always wanted him to take over from me. I think it’s part of my legacy that I’m turning over the department to a new, great chief.”

In outlining his reasons for selecting Chief Peters, Mr. Rainer pointed out the former deputy’s numerous accomplishments in Portsmouth.  

“Brian served as a field training officer, an instructor of the Citizens’ Police Academy, a detective inspector, a patrol sergeant, a detective lieutenant, and from May 2013 to March 2018 he served under Col. Lee as the deputy chief of police, responsible for every aspect of the department’s day-to-day operations an resources and was an integral member of the police construction building team until his retirement in 2018,” Mr. Rainer said.

“Brian is an outstanding officer with 21 years of policing experience. No one knows the administration, operations, personnel and policies of our Police Department better than Brian,” the administrator continued. 

“I am convinced Col. Peters possesses the educational background, professional experiencer and leadership integrity to head our Police Department.”

As interim police chief in Bristol, Mr. Rainer pointed out, Col. Peters oversees a department comprised of 40 full-time police officers and manages a budget of $6.89 million.

“I do like Bristol,” Chief Peters said. “Coming in from the outside, everybody was great from day one. Everybody was welcoming and it’s been a great experience over there.”

‘Time for a change’

When asked why he was stepping down, Chief Lee responded, “I just thought it was a good time. With the completion of the building, I thought it was a good time for a change. I accomplished what I came here to do.”

A new, modern two-story police station was recently opened after voters, in 2016, approved a $10 million bond for its construction.

Although he’s leaving office July 11, Chief Lee’s retirement isn’t effective until Sept. 6. That’s when Chief Peters will be sworn in as full chief.

“I have my past-approved vacation time, which I didn’t even use yet,” Chief Lee explained.

A “walk-out ceremony” for Chief Lee has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 11.

As for what he plans to do going forward?

“Whatever my wife tells me to do,” he said.