Sheriff's Biography

SHERIFF KEVIN F. COPPINGER

Kevin F. Coppinger became Essex County Sheriff in January 2017 and is currently in his second term in office. 

Sheriff Coppinger has close to 40 years of law enforcement experience in Essex County. He started his career as a police officer in Lynnfield, before joining the Lynn Police Department in 1985. After coming up through the ranks, he was named Chief of Police in 2009 and held that position until he was sworn in as the Essex County Sheriff in 2017.

One of his first priorities was to increase training opportunities for staff, at all levels, to ensure the safety of all who work, visit, or reside within correctional facilities. His mantra for all employees is “Honesty. Integrity. Respect.”  Sheriff Coppinger credits the hard work, service, and professionalism of his employees for the successes seen in Essex County.

Society today demands that correctional facilities strive to address the root causes of crime, including Substance Use Disorder, Mental Illness, and other contributing behaviors while an individual serves out their sentence.  Essex County offers a wide range of related programs, including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for those fighting addiction; the Correctional Opportunities for Personal Enrichment (COPE) program offering an innovative option for those needing mental health services; and the Supporting Transitions and Re-entry (STAR) program which is a new community-based program in partnership with dozens of local partners to help  individuals remain free of the justice system.

Sheriff Coppinger holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the Northeastern University and a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.  He is also a graduate of the 203rdSession of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy in Quantico, Virginia as well as the FBI-LEEDA Program. 

Sheriff Coppinger is an active member of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Sheriffs’ Association, Essex County Chiefs of Police Association, Police Executive Research Forum, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy Associates.  He is a member of the Massachusetts Police Training Committee, as well. Coppinger is also an Advisory Board member for the North Shore Community College’s Criminal Justice Program; Violently Injured Police Officers Organization (VIPO); and UTEC, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to the success of today’s youth.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
William Gerke Special Sheriff ext. 3335
Deana Piantedosi Director of Human Resources (978) 750-1900 Ext. 3533