Court Rules Milford Police Chief Appointment Is Legal

MILFORD, MA — Milford's Board of Selectmen has been entangled in legal battles about the Chief of Police position in town for about a year. The legal woes came to a temporary halt after a court decided the appointment of interim police chief Michael Pighetti was legal, despite a petition for a temporary in junction.

Over a dozen residents sued the Board of Selectmen and the interim chief himself and, according to court documents, claim Pighetti's appointment violated state regulations, town bylaws and the state law regarding police chief appointment. On Friday, a court denied a preliminary injunction and found the board's appointment consistent with state law.

Pighetti was appointed interim Chief of Police in May in a 2-1 vote, Selectman Michael Walsh was the opposing vote. Pighetti took over as interim chief in July as O'Loughlin left the position. Another 2-1 vote last September not to renew O'Loughlin's contract sparked the series of legal battles surrounding the position of Milford's Chief of Police.

The court found that the Board’s appointment was “entirely consistent with and acceptable under G.L. c. 41, s. 97A, s. 108O, and the relevant state regulations.”