This past July, Town Manager Colin Loiselle announced that Chief of Police Richard Howe was set to retire after 29 years serving the Town of Tyngsborough -- the last 11 of which he served as Chief of Police.

Following the announcement, the Town worked expeditiously to bring on a well-respected firm that specializes in public safety executive searches and to develop a comprehensive search process. The position was advertised in August and the deadline to submit applications was September 14, 2024. At the closing of the posting, the Town received 12 applications. After a thorough review by the search firm and Town Administration, the Town has invited 5 qualified candidates to interview before a panel of law enforcement leaders from the region. These interviews are slated to take place in the first two weeks of October. The Town hopes to narrow the pool down to two to three finalists for a second round interview before making a final decision.

The candidates seleceted for interviews represent a wide range of law enforcement backgrounds, command experience, education and training, and regional familiarity. 

Chief Howe's retirement is effective October 1st which will result in a temporary vacancy in the Chief of Police position. To that end, Town Manager Colin Loiselle has named Deputy Chief Shaun Woods Interim Chief of Police effective October 1st and continuing until a permanent Chief is named.

"Deputy Woods is a well-respected law enforcement leader who has deep roots in Tyngsborough and is well-positioned to lead the department through the transition. I am grateful to the Deputy Chief for his willigness to serve" -Town Manager Colin Loiselle