Rocky Start As Milford Selectmen Vote In Interim Police Chief

MILFORD, MA — An interim police chief was voted into Milford on Monday night, following debates from the selectmen. Retired Milford police Sgt. Michael Pighetti was name the interim police chief in a 2-1 vote, Selectman Michael Walsh was the opposing vote. Pighetti will begin in the position on July 1.

Monday night's meeting was a continuation of a discussion held at a previous selectman's meeting where both Walsh and Selectman William Kingkade named possible candidates for the interim chief position. Walsh suggested Deputy Police Chief James Falvey and Kingkade suggested Pighetti.

During the previous discussion, Kingkade pointed out that Pighetti served as interim chief before, in 2001, before O’Loughlin was appointed. Walsh voiced concern about the legality of Pighetti taking the position, noting a requirement that he go through the state police academy, since he has been retired since 2013.

Walsh brought up his concerns again at Monday night's meeting, reading the requirements that Pighetti will have to fulfill. Chairman William Buckley said Town Counsel Charles Boddy had given the board copies of the requirements along with legal opinion on the matter. After a brief back and forth between Walsh and Buckley, Walsh said he hadn't met with Boddy to discuss his concerns, "He hasn't even called me," Walsh said, noting that he sent a memo that morning to the board.

Buckley said he was happy with the decision the board voted on, "I'm glad we were able to appoint someone who had been appointed to the position before," Walsh said.

Selectmen Kingkade and Walsh were immediately available for comment when Patch reached out on Monday morning.

In response to the vote, a Facebook page listed as the unofficial page for the police department published a post with a headline that read in all caps, "Milford Board of Selectmen Turn Police Department Upside Down With Illegal Appointment." The page is listed to be run by Jim Heron, a former Milford police sergeant. The post singles out Selectmen Kingkade and Buckley and reads, "This decision will undoubtably cause division, low morale and uncertainty among the rank and file."

Chairman Buckley did not wish to comment on the Facebook post.

Police Chief Thomas O'Loughlin will leave his position on July 1 after another 2-1 vote passed in September, not to renew his contract. Again, Walsh was the only dissenting vote while Buckley and Kingkade supported. The vote led to O'Loughlin taking legal action against the selectmen and a failed community effort to remove Kingkade from the Board of Selectmen. Since then a Police Chief Search committee has been formed to find a new, permanent chief.

Chief O'Loughlin was not immediately available for comment when Patch reached out on Monday morning.