The Norwell Selectmen unanimously voted to offer a contract to former Hopkinton Police Chief, Ed Lee.
Ed Lee was one of three finalists interviewed by the Board of Selectmen to take over for Ted Ross, who retired after 14 years as chief and served over three decades with the department.
During debate, the Board quickly settled on Lee.
“He coordinated the beginning of the Boston Marathon for years and we think coordinating Summer Fest is tough here in Norwell,” said Selectman Alison Demong. “I think the level of coordination that has to go with state, federal, local, for an event like that is very impressive. I also like that he, in his time in Woonsocket, had to struggle with a very serious budget cut. How he dealt with unions and came to some agreements working with unions to save personnel.”
The search committee received more than 35 applicants – which were eventually narrowed down to Lee, Barre Police Chief John Carbone, and Leon Krolikowski, the New Canaan, Connecticut Police Chief.
Selectman Vice-Chair Jason Brown, a member of the committee, says it was an extensive process to select a new Chief.
“These individuals met with the police department and representatives of the police union. We got the opportunity to evaluate these individuals, not only communicating with us, but also with members of the force,” said Brown. “It was a very comprehensive, 360 review and analysis. Putting all that information together, we come to the difficult choice of who would be the best fit.”
Lee served six years as chief in Hopkinton, before that – he was a member of the Woonsocket, Rhode Island Police, reaching the rank of Captain. He is also a graduate of the National FBI Academy.
The Selectmen met in executive session to discuss a contract with Lee.
