Politics & Government

No 'Acting Chief' Named Yet at Westfield Police Department

Chief John M. Parizeau's last day was yesterday but an interim chief has yet to be named.

On Thursday, March 29, Westfield Police Chief John M. Parizeau finished his last day on the job, 31 years to the day after he started with the department.

Although he announced his retirement on March 1, an interim or acting chief has yet to be appointed. Due to vacation and unused sick time, Parizeau will remain on the books until Aug. 1. 

Westfield Police Capt. David Wayman said no acting chief had been named as of 5 p.m. Thursday evening.

Find out what's happening in Westfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When asked if he and Captain Clifford Auchter were sharing the outgoing chief's duties, Wayman said, "We will maintain control of the responsibilities we have been in charge of."

Wayman is in charge of operations, including patrol, investigations, traffic and the parking division, while Auchter's duties are on the administrative side. He is responsible for records and is the public information officer.

Find out what's happening in Westfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When asked who was in charge of the day-to-day operations of the department, Wayman said all inquiries should be referred to Town Administrator Jim Gildea.

As of 2:45 p.m. Friday, calls and emails to Gildea for comment were not returned.

Councilman Keith Loughlin, vice chair of the public safety committee, said he does not have any information on the timeframe of an announcement of an acting chief.

Mayor Andy Skibitsky was unable to be reached for comment.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here