Milford Residents Sue Board of Selectmen, Interim Police Chief

MILFORD, MA — Milford residents have taken their frustrations over the interim Police Chief appointment to the courts. Over a dozen residents sued the Board of Selectmen and the interim chief himself, Michael Pighetti. The lawsuit questions the new interim chief's qualifications for the position under state law and claims the appointment violates Milford bylaws.

The lawsuit was filed on Monday by 23 Milford residents. In questioning Pighetti's qualifications, the lawsuit refers to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, Section 97A, specifying a police chief as an "officer." The suit argues that since Pighetti retired in 2013, he can no longer claim to be an officer. The suit said the Board of Selectmen "ignored the law and abused their authority," in appointing Pighetti.

Several injunctions were filed as well, including a request that the Pighetti not be paid, that he not be allowed to use his power as police chief and that Deputy Chief James Falvey be named the interim chief.

"Pighetti could exercise his putative, but unlawfully acquired, authority, to create chaos within the police department by hiring, firing and promoting personnel and in other ways," the injunction request reads. It goes on to say that since Falvey is already the Deuty Chief, the department would see no disruptions.

All three Selectmen, William Buckley, William Kingkade Jr. and Michael Walsh were named in the suit. Walsh was the only selectmen to opposed Pighetti's appointment in favor of Falvey and also the only selectmen to vote against the non-renewal of former chief Thomas O'Loughlin's contract.

The town is represented by Christopher Brown, from Framingham-based Petrini & Associates, P.C. Brown told the Milford Daily news, selectmen consulted with Town Counsel Charles Boddy before appointing Pighetti and that he would be "surprised if the Court grants the relief the Plaintiffs are seeking." The residents are represented by James O’Connor Jr., of Fitchburg-based Nickless, Phillips and O’Connor. O'Connor did not comment due to pending litigation.

The town put a quick stop to a hearing set for Thursday through an emergency motion to postpone. Brown cited the need for more time to review as the reason for postponement in the motion.

The next scheduled court appearance will be July 25, in the Worcester County Superior Court.