Lester Baker Picked As New Framingham Police Chief

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Mayor Yvonne Spicer has picked Framingham Deputy Chief Lester Baker to take over as the new chief of police, the city announced Thursday. He will be the first Black police chief ever in Framingham.

Baker, 47, has been with Framingham police since 2003, and began his police career in Lexington in 1996. As the deputy chief of operations, he oversaw the dispatch center, investigations, police substations and special units, like school resource officers.

"Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," Spicer said in a statement Thursday. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values."

Baker's appointment is subject to City Council approval, and will be for a three-year term.

"To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together," Baker said in a statement. "I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service."

Baker was one of two finalists picked by Spicer. The other candidate, Baltimore police Maj. James Rhoden Jr., had also recently been chosen to be chief in Milford, but he turned down the offer.

Former chief Steven Trask retired in June amid nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Trask's retirement was planned, and not a reaction to the protests, officials have said. Deputy Chief Ronald Brandolini took over for Trask in the interim months.

During his time as interim chief, Brandolini completed the department's adoption of the "8 Can't Wait" platform, which means policy changes like requiring deescalation before using force, a ban on choke and strangleholds and a duty to intervene if a person's life is in danger.