Three Finalists Named in Police Chief Search

Three finalists have been named in the search for a new police chief, with interviews and a possible vote to appoint scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Those individuals are Shane C. Smith, who currently serves as deputy chief of the Salem, New Hampshire Police Department;  Watertown Police Capt.  Daniel S. Unsworth; and Southbridge Police Chief Shane D. Woodson. 

Interviews with the Select Board are scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. with Smith, followed by Unsworth and Woodson. The meeting is in-person and remote.

The search for a new police chief follows the resignation in August of Police Chief James MacIsaac, who had been with the department in various roles since 1990. The Select Board appointed then-Assistant Police Chief Mark Hurley as the interim chief. Hurley’s appointment was effective Aug. 25.

In October, John Parow of John Parow Consulting & Associates was selected from the two bids received by the town. The Select Board agreed to a contract of $11,800, making Parow’s firm the low bidder. The one competitor, Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI), submitted a $13,700 bid.

Six people representing Belmont’s different demographics, plus an area police chief, were named late last year to serve on the screening committee.

Mary Byrne

Mary Byrne

Mary Byrne is a member of The Belmont Voice staff. Mary can be contacted at mbyrne@belmontvoice.org.