Shared by Judy White-Orlando

Judy White-Orlando attended the December 2 Board of Selectmen meeting and graciously provided the Milton Scene with this update.

Last night at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting people spoke again in favor of retaining Chief Wells as our police chief. The speakers included Liz Macomber who said the Chief and his department helped her child through some difficult times. The Milton Police Department and Chief Wells were there to help and find a proactive solution with her family’s issues.

Tony Chichelo raised the question of why the town would want to add anything more to the selectmen’s plate at this time, when they are going to be looking for a new town administrator. His family has not needed the services of the police (“thank God!”) but Wells’ work in the town and assistance with Tony’s work on the School Building Project had been positive and helpful.

Brendan McLaughlin, the former member of the Warrant Committee and Library Board commented on the Chief’s outstanding leadership. His neighborhood needed some help with break-ins. The Chief met with his neighborhood, shared neighborhood watch ideas and the residents were extremely pleased with his communication and work. They problem of break-ins has stopped because of the great work of the Milton Police Department.

Michael Mignosa, the owner of the Fruit Center, also spoke about how any time his customers need assistance, the Chief is there to help. He also commented that the Chief reads to his children’s school, another example of making connections with children.

I, too, shared my experience working with the Chief. I spoke of the National Night Out and how the police department hosts 2,500 families on the lawn at the Milton Police station every year. Parents, teenagers, and children now have relationships with the police. We can go to the police in times of concern and trouble. They have created a new generation of community police presence and positive relationships.

The real star of the night was Alosha O’Brien, a resident of Milton. Alosha spoke about what a good friend Chief Wells is to him. He referred to the Chief as a a great person and talked about how he loves going to the police station and looks forward to the yearly cook-out on the lawn of the Police Station. Alosha O’Brien wanted to be in the 350th parade and the Chief made arrangements for that to happen.

Chief Wells has made a difference in our lives and in our town. This is the season of hope and I am hopeful that the Selectmen will work out the differences they have in his contract.

Thanks for reading this, Milton Neighbors.