Medfield Board Of Selectmen Choose Next Police Chief

Medfield's next Chief of Police decision made...

The Chenery Room was filled with residents and members of the Medfield Police Department once again, at Tuesday night's Board of Selectmen meeting, which started at 6:00pm, an hour earlier than usual, so that the Board could continue for a third session, to discuss and deliberate on the appointment of the next Medfield Chief of Police.

Two candidates would be considered and were listed on the agenda; Michelle Guerette and John Wilhelmi.

Board of Selectmen Chair, Mike Marcucci began by clarifying his opinion on a statement he made at last Wednesday's meeting in regard to "double-dipping". He apologized for using that term and explained that this is a legal practice. He followed that up by explaining what process would be followed at this meeting mentioning that after each Selectmen has had an opportunity to speak, and a vote is taken, there would be an opportunity for the public to ask questions, but added that if the decision they made resulted in criticism, he suggested it be directed to the Board of Selectmen, not to the Search Committee.

All three Board of Selectmen expressed that this was not an easy decision and that they took great effort in making their decision by reviewing all materials thoroughly, reading emails and responding to phone calls from residents while experiencing many sleepless nights.

Selectman Peterson was the first to voice his decision. He began by giving a timeline of events regarding when he was given materials from the Search Committee and that he learned much from reading. He received a large number of emails from supporters of Interim Chief Wilhelmi and he also mentioned the online petition that had 350 signatures in support of Wilhelmi. His thought process then went to, "Who would I want in the case of 'never' events?' He further commented on the 7 months of work from the Search Committee and his original feelings on the assessment center, originally feeling the assessment was subjective, he now felt it had been objective. He concluded, that in speaking with the Search Committee, John Wilhelmi had been afforded special consideration because of his record and respect for him. "I have to choose who the best would be, not just who I feel most comfortable with." He chose Captain Guerette.

Selectman Murby was next to speak and began with a positive comment about both candidates. "There is not a good and a bad candidate, but which is better and who's the most qualified?" Referencing that generally he thinks of Medfield as a "sleepy, peaceful town." but then pondered the possibility of a high impact event. "How do we prepare?" Based on Captain Guerette's experience, he felt she would be better prepared for such a catastrophe. He went on to comment on the support Wilhelmi has received from the MPD as well as confirming all that Wilhelmi has accomplished is not in question, but he went on to say that "not being promoted is not an insult". He further stated that he looked back at the MPD Chief history, stating, "the Police Chief has always been from Medfield and we haven't had a fresh set of eyes," referencing Guerette's background. "I hope he [Wilhelmi] stays and keeps doing what he's been doing." Murby concluded by adding that he was completely satisfied with what the Search Committee brought to the table. He also chose Captain Guerette.

Finally, Selectman Marcucci spoke stating he will make this a unanimous vote for Captain Guerette, however he wanted to remind everyone that, "we took action to move John into this process and consider him; I thought it was important. This was an extra difficult decision for all of us." He went on to talk about a broader issue brought to the Selectmen in regard to advancement within the MPD and he thanked the police officers who spoke out about it stating "We need to think better as a Town, and advancement of our officers." He went on to say that and the Selectmen need to "seriously look at what comes from us in regard to development." Based on all the messages he and other Selectmen received he recognizes the value of the close relationship the Town has with department heads, police and fire and stating the recent turnover and in recognizing the new department head hires, he wants to work toward building those relationships with the town. "John has been a pillar of the community, but all department heads should be!" He concluded by stating that he is confident that they are making the right decision, and in directing his comments to both the police and residents in the room he stated, "In time, we hope you will be happy with this decision."

A formal vote was taken, unanimously in favor of appointing Captain Michelle Guerette as Chief of Police pending a full background check, a physical and negotiating a contract.

After the vote, Peterson addressed the police in the room and thanked them for bringing the topic of advancement within the department to their attention and he appreciated all their input throughout this lengthy process.

Longtime resident John Harney was first to comment on this decision. "It is hard to believe you really heard the community!" Harney harshly criticized the Selectmen stating, "40 years of service doesn't matter. We have somebody better that no one knows? This is a small town....and you rationalize that you are right, but you are wrong! This is really regrettable and fundamentally wrong." Harney made a further comment using "smugness" to describe the Selectmen while stating their candidate choice. Chairman Marcucci disagreed with Harney, stating "We overruled the Search Committee to bring John to being a finalist" and he rejected the notion of being "smug".

Two other residents spoke briefly. Rebecca Vanucci-St George spoke of respect and trust within the process and recognized the Selectmen, the Search Committee and John Wilhelmi and her overall feeling that Medfield is a welcoming town. Resident Paul Hinkley was the last to take the mic, stating "You did the best you could," but his criticism was in regard to not offering an interview to the "one in charge" last week. He felt that John Wilhelmi should have been included on the original list of candidates to be interviewed and if that had happened, everyone would have been able to judge for themselves who they felt was the best candidate for the job.

The room nearly cleared out after these comments and the meeting continued addressing the other items on agenda.