Reading Selectman In Hot Water Over Comments About Police

READING, MA — A Reading selectman apologized this week for his controversial comments that led police officers to walk out of a recent board meeting. During a discussion about choosing the next police chief, Selectman Andrew Friedmann said he felt "intimidated" by the officers in attendance.

"As an elected Select Board member, I'm feeling pretty intimidated by the police officers in this crowd," Friedmann said. "You laugh at that, you think that's funny, but I have to live in this town, and all of you drive around town with guns."

Friedmann's statement resulted in groans and jeers from the crowd, and many in attendance immediately walked out. Select Board Chair Vanessa Alvarado issued a statement Wednesday condemning Friedmann's comments:

"Yesterday evening, the Select Board held its first public discussion on the hiring process for the police chief position. During this meeting, a member of the Board made a statement that reflected poorly on our police department and that offended many residents.
I want to state unequivocally; the Select Board fully supports our officers and public safety staff for their many contributions to our town. They are an exemplary organization. They walk into uncertain situations every day they put on a uniform. They are who we call when we are in need or in danger. They are who our children admire and respect.
For their professionalism and dedication to our town, I give our officers in blue my deepest gratitude and respect. For any offense that may have been caused yesterday evening, I offer my sincere apologies."

Friedmann has since apologized, telling WHDH, "I deeply regret my statement and recognize it was wrong. It was one of those comments, made in the heat of the moment, that I wish I could take back. In addition to the members of the Reading Police Department, I also wish to apologize to the residents of Reading."

Reading has not had a police chief for over a year.