WESTBOROUGH – The town has taken the first steps to replace Westborough Police Chief Jeff Lourie.
At the start of its meeting on June 13, the Select Board announced it had accepted the resignation of Lourie, who had been chief since 2018.
Lourie will become the police chief in Falmouth; his last day in Westborough will be June 30.
Board Chair Sean Keogh read a statement announcing Lourie’s resignation. He cited several initiatives accomplished during the chief’s tenure, including increasing officer safety and adding more staff.
“Since joining the department as its chief in 2018, Jeff has worked tirelessly to increase engagement with the community and enhance transparency,” said Keogh.
Keogh and the board wished the outgoing chief well.
“It’s been a pleasure working with you,” said Shelby Marshall. “You will be missed.”
“You kept both of us on our toes,” added Patrick Welch.
Lourie said it was “bittersweet” to end his time in Westborough at the same podium where he was appointed chief five years prior.
He credited “the most amazing team” for his success as chief, and recommended that the board promote Deputy Chief Todd Minardi to permanent chief.
“He’s done a phenomenal job,” he said.
The board appointed Minardi as interim Westborough police chief as of July 1, pending the successful negotiation of his contract.
Town Manager Kristi Williams told the board there are three options to consider when hiring the next chief – conduct an external search, including the formation of a search committee; conduct an internal search; or promote the deputy chief.
Marshall recommended that the board “take a look at all three options.”
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