Former Milford Police Chief To Run For Board Of Selectmen

MILFORD, MA — Former longtime Milford police chief Thomas O'Loughlin has filed paperwork to run for a seat on the Milford Board of Selectmen — the same body that voted in September 2018 not to keep him as the town's police chief.

O'Loughlin filed last week to run for Selectmen Chair William Buckley's seat. Buckley is not running for reelection in 2020, according to nominating papers — although Buckley did not immediately respond to a request for comment about his election plans.

Buckley along with Selectmen William Kingkade voted last May to replace O'Loughlin with retired Milford police Sgt. Mike Pighetti, who is still serving as the interim chief as the town searches for a permanent replacement. O'Loughlin had advocated for Assistant Chief James Falvey to take the interim job.

O'Loughlin filed a lawsuit against the town following the contract renewal vote. The 2-1 vote came after tensions grew between the chief and the Selectmen over allegations of drinking on the job. The former chief's last day on the job was June 27. At a public farewell ceremony, police from surrounding towns and dozens of residents gathered to see him off.

Milford real estate agent Joshua Lioce has also filed to run for the Board of Selectmen seat. The 2020 election will be held on April 7.

O'Loughlin did not immediately return a request for comment about his run. We will update this story if we hear back.