Perkins To Be Interim Wenham Police Chief After Walsh's Retirement

Wenham Police Capt. Thomas Perkins will become Interim Chief Perkins later this month.

The Wenham Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night unanimously named Perkins as interim chief, effective upon the retirement of Chief Kenneth Walsh on July 28.

In late June, – the last seven as chief.

After retirement, Walsh will become Director of Safety and Security at Endicott College in Beverly.

“I’m not going far, I’m just going down the street,” Walsh said.

Walsh on Tuesday , suggesting that Perkins be named interim chief.

Perkins is a 25-year veteran who has served as captain for four years.

Two months ago, Perkins completed a leadership-training course at , Walsh said.

“You’re not going to find a better candidate to fill those shoes,” Walsh said. “It will provide for a smooth transition.”

Walsh said Perkins should oversee the hiring of an additional patrol officer – the department’s 10^th full-time employee. With Perkins becoming interim chief, an interim captain and interim sergeant would also need to be selected – something Perkins should help complete, Walsh said. Although Walsh said he did not believe he should make specific recommendations for the officers that should fill those spots.

Selectmen said Perkins would serve as interim chief through the end of September.

Walsh said he “highly recommends” the board consider hiring Perkins to be the next permanent chief.

Perkins also received the backing of the Wenham Police Benevolent Association – the police union – for not only the interim position but to become the next permanent chief.

In a letter to Selectmen, the president, Sgt. Jonathan Gray, said that Perkins has “emerged as a true leader within the department.”

“It is the feeling of the full-time members of this department that Captain Perkins is the obvious choice as the next Chief of Police,” Gray wrote.

Perkins said the support of Walsh and the union was “quite comforting.”

On Tuesday, Selectmen did not yet outline any specific steps it will take to permanently fill the position.