Today the Boston Police Department will begin writing a new chapter in its celebrated history. In the passing of the torch, Bill Evans will be officially sworn in as Commissioner of the BPD succeeding longtime stalwart Ed Davis while Mayor Marty Walsh presides.

After rising through the ranks of the BPD, Evans, who started his career as a cadet, will pick up where Davis leads off, boasting the same leadership qualities and ability to overcome adversity as a bastion of optimism for the citizens they serve – evidenced by how both guided The Hub through the tragic Boston Marathon bombings almost one year ago.

“I just want to say that this is an important day for the people of our city. We are getting a proven and effective leader for the Boston Police Department,” noted Mayor Walsh when discussing what could perhaps be his most compelling appointment.

Exemplifying Mayor Walsh’s good judgement, both he and Commissioner Evans named William Gross as Superintendent-in-Chief the same day the commissioner was announced. Gross becomes Boston’s first African-American chief and though his heritage helps to usher in a new diversified department as per the ambitions of the Walsh administration, Gross too is more than qualified to be the BPD’s second-highest ranking officer. Like Evans, Gross kickstarted his career as a cadet and skyrocketed up the rungs of the police ladder.

According to BPD News, in attendance at today’s historic event will be “elected officials, clergy, members of the Boston Police Command Staff, community members, local, state & federal law enforcement partners, family and friends of Commissioner Evans.”

On the docket along with the issuance of the Oath of Office by the mayor will be the presentation of the Commissioner’s Badge, a sure-to-be moving performance by the Boston Police Gaelic Column and a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem by none other than Boston Police Officer Stephen McNulty.