Deputy Chief John Voto To Serve As Interim Police Chief

TEWKSBURY, MA — Deputy Police Chief John Voto will serve as interim police chief, while the town selects a replacement for departed Chief Tim Sheehan, Town Manager Richard Montuori confirmed. After more than a decade as chief, Sheehan said farewell Friday, to take the job as chief of the South Portland, Maine police department. Sheehan begins in Maine next Monday.

At the selectmen's Dec. 17 meeting, Montuori said that the town had hired the consulting firm Badgequest to conduct assessments to replace Sheehan. The town is looking to hire internally, he said.

After Sheehan's departure was announced, Voto released the following statement: "For the last ten years, Chief Timothy Sheehan has been the stoic leader of the Tewksbury Police Department. It is with a bittersweet mix of pride and sadness that we learn his 32 years of service with us is coming to a close. Chief Sheehan has accepted a new position as Chief of South Portland Maine's Police Department. As we prepare to say goodbye, we hold firm in the knowledge that we are far better for having his leadership and guidance this past decade. South Portland Maine gains a great man to lead their department and we will continue to strive for the excellence that Chief Sheehan has come to know and expect of us."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.