Longtime Malden Police Department members receive well-earned promotions

Malden PD Chief Cronin introduces Lt. Jack Lanni and Sgt. Salvatore Gennetti

By Steve Freker

Two well-known, longtime members of the Malden Police Department (MPD) were elevated to higher posts at a promotion ceremony led by Police Chief Glenn Cronin and held at Malden Police Headquarters on Monday. The pair were sworn in by Malden City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio. Malden’s promotions include 20-year Malden Police veteran and new Lieutenant Jack Lanni, who was elevated to his rank from Sergeant, and 28-year MPD veteran and new Sgt. Salvatore Gennetti, who was promoted from the rank of Detective.

“Today’s promotional ceremony recognized years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the Malden community. Lieutenant Lanni and Sergeant Gennetti exemplify professionalism and integrity,” Chief Cronin said, “and we are confident they will continue to serve the department and our city with honor and pride in their new roles.”

Lt. Lanni has served 20 years with Malden Police. He graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Before serving as an MPD Sergeant, Lt. Lanni was a Patrol Officer and Detective for the MPD Criminal Investigations Division.

“Jack [Lanni] is well respected by his peers. That respect is reflected in his service as President of the Superior Officers Union and previously as President of the Patrol Officers Union,” Chief Cronin said. “These roles are not given lightly. They speak to the confidence his fellow officers place in his ability to communicate and represent them with integrity.”

Sgt. Gennetti joined MPD in 1997, first serving as a cadet and then being sworn in a Patrol Officer in 2004. He has been a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division for the past 10 years, before his promotion Monday.

Sgt. Gennetti’s late father, longtime Malden Police Commissioner Salvatore “Butch” Gennetti, was a Patrol Officer for over 40 years with MPD before serving 20 years as Commissioner. Chief Cronin noted that the former Commissioner “always wanted to see his son promoted to Sergeant.”

Sgt. Gennetti has been cited several times for extraordinary actions as a Malden Police Officer and Detective, including earning the state Medal of Valor in 2006 due to his actions in disarming and subduing a person who tried to steal his weapon from his person. His resume also includes solving a years-long cold case that involved extraditing the suspect from Atlanta, Georgia, back to Massachusetts, as well as entering a burning building off of Holyoke Street in 2014 and saving the life of an occupant.

Chief Cronin also welcomed and thanked the many family members, friends and fellow officers who participated in and attended Monday’s ceremony. “We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended, including city officials, fellow officers, retired officers, and the friends and family members who joined us to celebrate this special occasion. Your support and presence made the ceremony truly meaningful,” Chief Cronin said.