Westwood Opens Police Chief Search to Outside Candidates After Internal Review

WESTWOOD -- April 14, 2026, Westwood Select Board swears in two officers, advances police chief search to external competition. The board, chaired by Marianne LeBlanc-Cummings, heard from Town Administrator Connor Reed that one internal Westwood Police Department candidate has advanced through initial interviews and the search is now open to external applicants, with a final appointment expected in June. Chief Silva retires May 8, and Reed said he will name an acting chief from within the department to bridge the gap. The board unanimously approved a Common Victualler license for Wonder Food Hall at University Station and an all-alcohol off-premises license for Wegmans, the latter consistent with a 2025 Annual Town Meeting vote. FS1 Steering Committee Vice Chair Jody Petrucelli urged residents to support the FS1 feasibility and schematic design article at the May 4 Annual Town Meeting, and Town Clerk Dottie Powers reminded residents the Annual Town Election is April 28 at Westwood High School, with early voting April 16 through 18.