Wayland Has New Police Chief After Yearlong Search

WAYLAND, MA — After a yearlong search for a new police chief, Wayland has found the right candidate — and didn't have to look any farther than the public safety building.

The Board of Selectmen on Monday unanimously picked interim Chief Sean Gibbons as the department's new leader.

Former Wayland chief Patrick Swanick retired in November 2020, and Sean Gibbons, who was a lieutenant at the time, took over as interim chief. Swanick spent some 30 years with Wayland police, working his way up to chief from 911 dispatcher.

Gibbons has worked in Wayland for 19 years, but started his career in the early 1990s with the Los Angeles Police Department. He later worked as a Sturbridge police officer before joining Wayland police. He'll be the 19th chief in town history.

Wayland mounted a full search for a new chief, and four candidates were up for the job before Gibbons was selected. Board of Selectmen member Cherry Karlson lauded Gibbons' patience with the process during Monday's meeting.

"When you're an interim, it is a challenge to go through a process where you're reviewed and ultimately selected," she said.

Gibbons will officially become chief at a swearing-in ceremony. Town Administrator Louise Miller said an exact date for the ceremony has not yet been set.