Above: One of these SPD officers should have another promotion to smile about next week. (images cropped from Facebook)
Next week, the Select Board is expected to appoint one of two finalists for Southborough Police Chief. They will be choosing between Acting Chief Ryan Newell and Sergeant Sean McCarthy.
Agendas posted this afternoon schedule the Board to interview the two finalists on Monday, August 29th at 7:00 pm.
Based on past discussions about the process, the Board may vote to make an appointment that night. But a special meeting scheduled for the following night would also allow them to sleep on the decision.
This summer, the Board chose to recruit only from internal candidates in an effort to expedite the process. The department has been without a true chief for about six months.
As the next in command, Newell was in charge when former Chief Kenneth Paulhus went on vacation in February.
Paulhus never returned to duty, first being placed on leave at the end of February. At that time, the Board quietly named Newell the Acting Chief. Paulhus remained on leave until his “retirement” effective May 31st. Newell’s Acting position was extended while the Board pursued the search.
In Board discussions, members referred to multiple applicants for the position, but the number wasn’t revealed. The agenda for Monday lists only the two finalists.
At this point their current resumes aren’t posted. But since both candidates were promoted in past public meetings, I do have some details about their tenure at the SPD.
Newell has worked for the SPD for about 20 years and McCarthy for about 16 years.
In November 2016, McCarthy was promoted from Detective to Sergeant. The letter of recommendation from Paulhus included:
Detective McCarthy is a town resident and holds a B.A Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. He has over ten years of experience with the Department having served in the Patrol and Detective Units. Additionally, he is the Departments lead firearms instructor, (DRE) Drug Recognition Expert, and is assigned as a member of the Worcester County Regional Drug Task Force. Detective McCarthy has been awarded the Police Commendation Award from Framingham Police, Police Service Award, and has been recognized as the Officer of the Quarter.
Detective McCarthy placed first in the competitive process which began with seven candidates. He was able to obtain the top score in the Job Performance, Assessment Center, Written Test, and Board Interview categories. In my career, I would be hard pressed to think of another candidate who has prepared and demonstrated through his work performance, dedication, and commitment to the profession as more qualified to accept a position of leadership.
(Click here for more photos from the ceremony.)
In July 2019, Newell was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant. Paulhus’ recommendation letter included:
Sergeant Newell is a resident of Shrewsbury, MA. He began his career as a Southborough Police Officer in 2002, after transferring from a four year stint with the Nantucket Police Department. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004, acquiring fifteen years of leadership experience. In addition, he holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Stonehill College along with an M.S. degree from Westfield State College. Sgt. Newell has a vast background in many areas including leading the department to the MA Accreditation Award (one of only 65 municipal departments so honored), Social Media/Public Information Officer, Public Records, and NIBRS Representative to name a few. He is also a Trilogy Award recipient for his completion of the FBI-LEEDA Executive Development Program.
Sergeant Newell placed first in the competitive testing process where he was able to obtain the top score in all categories including the Assessment Center. His appointment to this leadership position would be a great asset to the Southborough Police Department, and the residents of the Town.
(Click here for photos from the ceremony.)
Both very good men.