Mayor Names New Waltham Police Chief

Mayor Jeannette McCarthy has named Acting Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson as the department's new permanent chief.

The appointment is subject to approval by the Waltham City Council. The council will take up the nomination at its next meeting, McCarthy said. The appointment is also subject to MacPherson passing a State Police background check, which McCarthy said she anticipates receiving soon. 

McCarthy chose MacPherson over three other officers, including Captain Donald Feeney, Captain Steven Champeon and Captain William Stanton. 

MacPherson has served as the department's acting chief since former chief Thoams LaCroix was arrested for hitting his wife at their Maynard home in 2012. LaCroix later resigned after being convicted. 

McCarthy said she chose MacPherson, who has served with the department for over 30 years, for several reasons.

"I believe he has the experience. He is a smart guy. He is a very good police officer," McCarthy said. "He chose to stay on [instead of retiring] for the benefit of the department. I think he is just an overall quality person."

McCarthy also hailed MacPherson for his work to capture the suspect behind the recent string of downtown robbery attacks.