New Milford Police Chief Picked By Selectmen

MILFORD, MA — Milford is on the verge of having a permanent new police chief. The Board of Selectmen on Monday night voted to enter into negotiations with Baltimore police Maj. James Rhoden Jr. to become Milford's next chief.

Rhoden was picked from a field of three candidates, which also included New Canaan, Conn., Chief Leon Krolikowski, and Falmouth police Capt. Brian Reid.

The three candidates were brought to the Selectmen after a long search. The Illinois-based firm Resource Management Associates and a town search committee reviewed the larger field of candidates before passing on the three finalists.

The new chief will replace interim Chief Michale Pighetti. He took over after former chief Thomas O'Loughlin's contract expired last summer. O'Loughlin is running this spring for the seat on the Board of Selectmen being vacated by William Buckley.

The Selectmen interviewed each of the candidates in closed-session meetings at the end of February. Monday's vote was 2-1 in favor of Rhoden, with Selectman Michael Walsh voting no.

Walsh wanted Krolikowski, but also had reservations about Rhoden come to Milford from a large city.

"I just don't know if he has the ability to come to a community like Milford and connect with us," Walsh said.

Both Chairman William Buckley and member William Kingkade lauded Rhoden's performance in interviews, and Rhoden's interest in Milford. Kingkade pointed out that Rhoden took the time to visit the police department.

Rhoden works in the Baltimore police Compliance Bureau as an audits and inspections commander. He began as a patrol officer with the department in 1992.