New Brookline Chief Of Police? Andy Lipson, Select Board Approves

BROOKLINE, MA — Once every 20 years there's a new police chief in town. Thursday, Sept. 13, Brookline got a new one. Dept. Superintendent Andy Lipson was officially named Chief of the Brookline Police Department. It was part of a month's long effort led by Town Administrator Mel Kleckner.

Kleckner recommended him earlier this week. After hearing from Kleckner, the Select Board announced they approved his contract during a closed door meeting and then during the open meeting unanimously voted to appoint him. Lipson's appointment is effective Friday.

"I've heard nothing but great things about you," said Select Board Chair Neil Wishinsky to Lipson before congratulating him.

Select Board Ben Franco called the appointment one of the most important of the board's decisions and said Lipson was a member of the department who has affected change.

"I know you have big shoes to fill, but I'm convinced you can do it," said Select Board member Nancy Heller.

Select Board member Bernard Greene said the panel subjected the police applicants to tough questions about their commitment to the town and policing and what the town expects of them.

"The town should be very happy and appreciative of the process that selected Lipson," said Greene.

Select Board member Heather Hamilton said her main takeaway from a meeting with Lipson was that he was a very good listener. "That's very hard to come by," she said before congratulating him.

Lipson took to the mic to thank the community and pledge the department's commitment to the town and to the community. He thanked the force and thanked former Brookline Police Chief Dan O'Leary for his mentorship.

O'Leary told the Patch he was pleased with the appointment.

"I think he's a great choice. Chief Lipson is a very high quality person and brings a lot to the job. I think he's going to be an excellent chief. He's intelligent, he knows what to do and it will show quickly. He deserves it," said O'Leary.

Previously:

• New Brookline Police Chief To Be Recommended To Select Board
• Search For Next Brookline Police Chief Edges Forward
• Brookline Police Chief Dan O'Leary To Retire After 40 Years
• Brookline Searches For New Police Chief

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Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch. Contact this reporter at Jenna.Fisher@Patch.com or find her on Twitter: @ReporterJenna