'It's Time To Move': Longtime Police Chief Robert Irving On His Retirement

WAYLAND, MA—Last week, the Wayland Council on Aging held an official retirement party for Police Chief Robert Irving. The "sweet sendoff" marked 16 years with the Wayland Police Department. His last day as police chief is Sept. 19.

It is time to move closer to my children and grandchildren who live in Connecticut and New Jersey," Irving told Patch.

He was appointed as the ninth Chief of the Wayland Police Department on Sept. 21, 2001. Prior to coming to Wayland, he served in various capacities in the Cheshire, Connecticut Police Department, retiring at the rank of captain. He is a veteran of the United States Army having served three years as a military policeman. Irving has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Haven and he graduated with the 199th Session of the F.B.I. National Academy.

Lt. Patrick Swanick has been appointed the next police chief pending contract negotiations.

Every officer, captain and chief leaves with a career of memorable cases, and of course some more than others. For Irving, he names his memorable as the murder of Laren Dunne Astley in Wayland in June 3, 2011.

"This was a tragic day for Lauren’s family and friends and had a profound impact on the Wayland community," said Irving. "The fact that her killer was identified and arrested within a day eased the community’s fear. The way that Lauren’s parents dealt with the loss of their daughter was inspirational. I will always reflect on this case on the anniversary of finding Lauren’s remains on the 4th of July."

Astley's former boyfriend Nate Fujita, 20, was found guilty of the murder in March of 2013.

Homicides are extremely rare in Wayland, historically, and crime is low in general, with Wayland winning many "top town" polls and surveys such as the "safest town in the country" for four years in a row.

"I have been blessed to have been able to work with many great people in this community over the last 16 years," said Irving.

The chief said he looks forward to spending much more time with his family, picking up his granddaughter from kindergarten one day a week, and visiting his new grandson in New Jersey. He and his wife are also planning some trips abroad and will spend some time at her family home in Ireland.

"I will miss the people in this town, my co-workers both in the department and throughout town government," said Irving. "I will also miss the ability to help people out with an issue they may have. As police chief, you have a special responsibility to the citizens you serve to listen to their concerns and to act upon them if you can."

Photos of Irving's retirement party via Wayland Council on Aging