Westerly names Shawn Lacey as new police chief
Westerly — Town Manager J. Mark Rooney announced late Thursday morning that he has appointed Capt. Shawn M. Lacey as the town’s new police chief.
Lacey, who was sworn in Thursday morning, replaces Richard Silva, who resigned in October after a 23-month tenure. Rank-and-file officers were upset when former Town Manager Derrick Kennedy chose Silva, the former chief in West Warwick, over Lacey after Edward St. Clair retired in 2016.
Lacey’s appointment also means he will not have to retire under a law that requires officers to retire after 30 years of service. Lacey had reached the 30-year mark but had challenged the law in court and a decision was pending. The mandatory retirement age does not apply to police chiefs.
A public swearing-in ceremony for Lacey is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. at the City Council meeting.
Lacey, a lifelong Westerly resident, began his career as a patrolman in 1988 and also has served as a corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and interim chief. Lacey has obtained numerous law enforcement certifications and has earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University.
In his announcement, Rooney said Lacey was selected following a nationwide search. Two panels, one comprising resident and community leaders, and the other comprising current and retired public safety and municipal officials, interviewed eight applicants last Friday. On Wednesday, Rooney said he met individually with the two finalists recommended by both panels — Lacey and an unidentified deputy chief from Connecticut.
“We had an exceptional field of candidates for the position. After collecting feedback from both interview panels and my own assessment after interviewing, at length, the two finalists, I am confident that Chief Lacey is the best choice to lead our police department,” Rooney stated. “I have every confidence that Chief Lacey will distinguish himself early on as a visionary and effective community leader. His experience and management abilities are an excellent fit for the Department at this time.”
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