Bongiorno gets the nod
Published on September 12th, 2007
STONEHAM, MA - After an extensive search for a new police chief in Stoneham to replace retired Chief Herb Moore, Stoneham Town Administrator Dave Ragucci announced that Cambridge Police Captain and longtime Stoneham resident Richard Bongiorno was his selection.
Bongiorno earned the nod over Lt. Jim Pierce of the Winchester Police Department, and the Board of Selectmen didn't voice any opposition about Ragucci entering into negotiations with Bongiorno in what will likely be a multi-year contract.
"Shortly put, this evening, after an extensive search for a police chief, I'm happy to say that we have two very qualified law enforcement officers available to us," said Ragucci to the Selectmen during their Tuesday night meeting. "I feel very confident in advancing Capt. Bongiorno's name.
"He has over 30 years experience in law enforcement," added Ragucci. "He's been spoken very highly of by members of the Cambridge community. And he is a present resident, and has been for a number of years, of Stoneham. I would like to begin a dialogue with Mr. Bongiorno on reaching a contract agreement."
Bongiorno and Ragucci are expected to meet this week in an attempt to come to terms on a contract to bring the Stoneham resident into the fold.
A four person search committee, appointed by Ragucci, recommended three finalists earlier this month, but the Town Administrator reportedly agreed to interview three additional candidates, all with local ties, upon the request of several Selectmen.
At least one of those applicants has since dropped out of contention for the chief of police job, apparently due to the qualifications for the position.
According to a copy of the advertisement obtained by The Stoneham Independent, the new police chief is required to have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or business management, a master's degree in public administration or either of those former categories, and ten years of police experience.
The applicants were also required to have graduated from the police academy and served five years in a supervisory role.
A total of 21 applications were received for the chief of police post, which was previously held by police force veteran Herb Moore, who is retiring for medical reasons.
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