Westfield's First Female Ranking Police Officer Sworn In

Westfield police officers filled the council chambers of the Municipal Building Tuesday evening to honor six of their recently-promoted colleagues who were sworn in by Mayor Andy Skibitsky.

Among the group, Sgt. Lauren Maloney, who joined the force in 2006, has the distinction of serving as the first female ranking officer in the history of the department, a statement that was met with thunderous applause when announced by Chief David Wayman.

Other officers who were sworn in include: Capt. Chris Battiloro, Lt. William Moffit, Lt. Frank Padovano, Sgt. Michael Walsh and Sgt. Tom Ostrander.

Both Wayman and Skibitsky thanked the officers and the entire police department for their dedication to ensuring the safety of the citizens of Westfield and those who visit the town. 

Following the meeting, Maloney said it was an honor to have made history with her promotion.

"It's exciting," she said. "It's a great department and hopefully this will pave the way for other females who want to pursue a career in law enforcement." 

Maloney began her career as a sheriff's officer with the Union County Sherriff's Department.
 
"During her tenure as a patrol officer, Officer Maloney exceled and was subsequently made a field training officer to assist in training new officers as they come on to the police department," said Wayman. "Sgt. Maloney will now be assigned to the patrol division as a road sergeant."