March 29, 2024

Police Chief Search Continues Despite Union Support for Enos

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The search for a new Chief for the Seekonk Police Department will be continuing, says Board of Selectmen chairman David Andrade Selectmen have hired a consulting firm to screen candidates.

The deadline to submit an application for the position is February 14.  Members of the department voiced their support of interim Chief David Enos at the January 22 selectmen meeting. Enos was appointed to serve as Chief on an interim basis following the retirement of Frank John last July.

Andrade explained the decision on who to appoint was not up to the board at this time. “We’re waiting for a recommendation from the town administrator,” Andrade said Monday.

Andrade doesn’t believe it’s mandatory to promote someone from within the police department. “I believe the town deserves the best available candidate,” Andrade said. “Whether it’s the interim Chief or whether it’s someone we don’t know about.”


Andrade didn’t say if he would support Enos for Chief. “I’ll have to wait for that recommendation,” he added.

John had been placed on administrative leave in March 2019 after being in the position for six months. Enos had been appointed to serve as Deputy Chief.

Officer Keith Perry cited Enos’ accomplishments over the past year which included the drafting of a level-funded budget, overseeing the hiring process of five new officers, streamlining training department-wide, the completion of multiple FBI leadership courses, the creation of a new traffic enforcement division, and the set up of a new recruitment process. “These efforts have had the immediate effect of increasing competence and capability as well as strengthening officer morale,” Perry said. “It will likely have a long-term impact that improves the overall operational efficiency and effectiveness of the department for years to come.”

Last August, selectmen praised Enos at one of their meetings. “You’ve been doing a great job and we’re happy to have you,” Andrade said to Enos. “He’s done a phenomenal job,” Town Administrator Shawn Cadime added.

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