Chief Rebecca Gagne Officially Sworn in as Assumption University Chief of Police
In an official swearing-in ceremony held on January 27, Chief Rebecca Gagne was officially named and pinned as the Chief of Police of the Assumption University Campus Police Department.
Gagne has worked in Assumption’s Campus Police Department since 2012, having served as a Police Officer, Detective Sergeant, Deputy Director – Operations Lieutenant, and now as Chief of Police.
“Today, we recognize not just a promotion, but a profound commitment to leadership, service and community,” said Kristen White, Vice President for Student Affairs. “I have had the privilege of working closely with Chief Gagne for two years, and I can confidently say that I am a better person and professional because of her. She is committed to this institution and to her profession. She has been my sounding board and has kept me grounded during challenging times, reminding me how fortunate we are to do this work. She always does what is right, no matter how difficult it might be.”
After the greeting from White and an invocation from Rev. Dennis Gallagher, Vice President for Mission, members of the Assumption community who work closely with Gagne came together to speak about her unwavering dedication to her role in the police department and to keeping Assumption students safe.
“She [Gagne] has earned this moment through her determination, hard work, and dedication to the wellbeing of others,” said Christina Graziano, Esq., General Counsel and Vice President for Strategy. “Chief Gagne’s work will continue to shape the hearts and minds of our students, guiding them to find meaning in their education and lives after graduation. And as Chief Gagne leads us in this work, she exemplifies the transformation that comes from serving a greater purpose and using our gifts to protect the common good.”
“Chief Gagne sees our students as individual human persons who we help to form and who help to form us. She is deeply dedicated to treating students as adults, adults with privileges and adults with obligations,” said Assumption University President Greg Weiner. “Today, we celebrate Chief Gagne in public. We should do so knowing that the most powerful impact she has made and will make on this campus and on our students occurs in the moments no one sees. That is often true in the work of an educational institution, but it is especially so in Chief Gagne’s case – her gift to students and other members of our community, often at their most vulnerable and difficult moments, is far more substantial than any single act of advocacy or support.”
“Your appointment as Chief of Police is a symbol of what it means to rise through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service,” said Allyson Wargo ’25, an intern in the Office of Community Standards. “You’ve already made a remarkable impact here, building relationships, listening to students, and fostering a culture of trust and respect. The work you do is vital to ensuring that Assumption University is a place where we can grow and learn without fear. Your leadership will not only ensure our safety, but will also foster a sense of security and community that we all need in order to thrive.”
After reciting her oath and was officially pinned as Chief of Police, Gagne made remarks to the community.
“It is both an honor and a privilege that I stand before you today as the new Police Chief at Assumption University,” she said. “I feel blessed to be in this unique policing environment where I get to watch students grow from anxious first year students to confident seniors. As an officer here at Assumption, I’m not only protecting and keeping them safe through their journey to adulthood, but I also get to help shape them into well rounded human beings.”
Speaking to her colleagues in the Assumption Police Department, Gagne concluded by saying, “I look forward to continuing to work with you all as a team. Together, we will continue to serve and protect this community with integrity, respect and a commitment to fairness. I’m excited about the work ahead, and I know that by working together, we will strengthen a sense of safety and trust across campus, and we will continue to build a future that reflects the values we hold dear. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity, and I look forward to all we will achieve together.”