'The right person for the job': Lt. Shawn Cronin elevated to Dighton police chief
DIGHTON — Veteran Dighton police Lt. Shawn P. Cronin will become the new department chief on Aug. 26.
Selectmen on Wednesday, July 27, officially appointed Cronin as the town's next police chief after a hiring process that began in March but yielded only one in-house candidate, Cronin himself.
The current chief, Robert McDonald, will retire on Aug. 26 after 43 years with the Dighton Police Department, including 18 years as department head.
Cronin has been a member of the Dighton Police Department since 2006 and currently serves in a supervisory role as lieutenant.
Selectmen Chair Leonard Hull noted, reading from the search consultant assessment report on Cronin, that "he is an experienced police department supervisor with the critical skills, knowledge and abilities required of a Massachusetts Police Chief."
The report noted Cronin grew up and currently resides in Dighton, "which affords him a unique insight into the town and the needs of the community."
"He understands the new Massachusetts Police Reform legislation and has indicated that he would like to see the Dighton Police Department become an accredited agency."
As the Dighton department's lieutenant, he is the executive officer of the Police and Communications Department.
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His responsibilities range from managing department operations to writing and implementing department-wide policies and building and administering the approximate $2.2 million police and communications budget.
Hull noted Cronin is endorsed by the Dighton Patrolman's Association and is highly recommended by Fire Chief Christopher Maguy.
Selectman Kenneth Pacheco said that as a district court officer he has seen Cronin as always prepared and professional on his days in court.
"This is the 21st century, and this is the right person for the job." Pacheco said. "He is savvy of modern regulations and modern internet applications."
"It's an honor to be appointed to this position, a real honor," Cronin said as applause erupted in the meeting room following the select board's unanimous approval vote.
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Back in September of last year when Cronin as promoted to lieutenant — the town's first police lieutenant in more than two decades — he acknowledged that police officers have had a tarnished image in the eyes of some members of the public of late due to what's been in the news over the past couple of years.
However, he was quick to counter that image by saying, "A really good cop doing good things will show what's right about our profession around this country."
"Our obligation is to uphold the Constitutional rights of everyone. You try to be the best officer you can be. That is our obligation. That is a heavy responsibility."
Town acquires historic building for library's new home
The board also heard applause Tuesday night when it signed the closing and related documents to acquire Smith Memorial Hall at 207 Main St., which will become the new home of the town library after renovations thanks to a $150,000 appropriation vote at the 2022 town meeting.
The board agreed, however, to allow the present occupants, Father's House Family Church, to utilize the premises for its services after the closing while the church seeks new headquarters.
The crux of the town's plan is to utilize $790,000 of its local share of federal American Rescue Plan Act ARPA funding, rather than town tax dollars, to help make the renovations happen.
The initial costs to move into the circa 1889 building, incorporating acquisition and building improvements, are estimated at approximately $2 million.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Dighton Police: Lt. Shawn Cronin new chief, Robert McDonald to retire
