Milford Selectmen Will Not Testify At Hearing Over PD Chief

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 latest feud revolves around the appointment of interim police chief Michael Pighetti — a hearing about the legality of Pighetti's appointment is set for Sept. 6.

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. According to court documents, a series of subpoenas were sent to two selectmen, William Kingkade and William Buckley, to have them testify at the September hearing. The court quashed the subpoenas, stating the selectmen did not have to testify since factual information surrounding the laws in question would suffice.

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 most recent lawsuit was filed in July 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.

The town is represented by Christopher Brown, from Framingham-based Petrini & Associates, P.C. Brown. Brown said, "The Defendants are confident based on the arguments presented in their opposition papers that we will prevail in defeating the motion."

The hearing is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 6th starting at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 20 at the Worcester Superior Court. The hearing is open to the public.