Politics & Government

Capt. David Wayman Appointed Westfield Police Chief

Wayman, who has been with the department for 24 years, will immediately succeed Chief John Parizeau.

The unanimously appointed Capt. David Wayman to serve as Westfield's next chief of police effective Wednesday, April 11. 

Following Tuesday evening's regular meeting, Mayor Andy Skibitsky, members of the Town Council and Town Administrator Jim Gildea met in a private executive session and returned approximately 20 minutes later to make the announcement.

Councilwoman JoAnn Neylan, chair of the public safety, transportation and parking committee, said it was her "pleasure and honor" to introduce the resolution to name Wayman chief.

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"I think the public over the next few weeks will get a chance to meet soon-to-be Chief Wayman, now Capt. Wayman, and I just want to say I hope they'll be very impressed with him," Skibitsky said. "He's going to be a great police chief. He's had the experience of working under our past chief for over six and a half years and has done a wonderful job and so I'm very excited that we're going to be voting on this tonight and I'm very excited Capt. Wayman is going to become our next chief, assuming our Council approves that." 

The Council unanimously appointed Wayman, who will begin serving in his new postion Wednesday, April 11. He will not receive any extra compensation, however, until Aug. 1, at which time is no longer on the books. Though Parizeau finished his last day on the job March 29, due to unused sick and vacation time he will be paid through Aug. 1.

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Following the meeting, Gildea said Wayman, 46, a Westfield resident, has been with the department for the past 24 years. For the past 11, he has risen through the ranks, serving as sergeant, lieutenant and captain. Wayman could possibly remain in his new position for the next 19 years, as the mandatory retirement age is 65.

"He has worked in every facet of the department with the exception of the records bureau," Gildea said. 

Gildea said according to the town code, the chief of police is recommended by the Town Administrator with the consent of the mayor and the approval of the Town Council. 

When asked if Capt. Clifford Auchter was considered for the position, Gildea said, "He was, but he opted out of the process." 


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