Lts. Sherrill, Keleher chosen as new CPD deputy chiefs
By Mike BergerCanton Police Chief Helena Rafferty, following up on the approval from the Select Board to appoint two deputy chiefs, has announced her selections this week. Tom Keleher Jr. will be the new deputy chief of operations and Patricia (Patty) Sherill will serve as deputy chief of administration. Both were former lieutenants.
Prefacing her announcement of the department reorganization, Rafferty made reference to her June 14 swearing-in speech. “In outlining my speech, my premise was always to continue to ‘Protect and Serve,’” she said. “I see this reorganization as a way to be fully committed to that task.”
Rafferty said Keleher will deal with the immediate response aspects of police operations and Sherrill will focus on the follow-up, making sure “all our I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed.”
“It is important that people know they matter and that we give services far beyond the initial response,” Rafferty said. “We have 1,440 minutes in a day to help turn someone’s life around for the better and this organizational chart will ensure that we have people dedicated to the tasks to make sure that happens.”
Rafferty said there are no new positions under her reorganization plan, which swaps one of the four lieutenant positions with a second deputy chief. Lieutenants Charles Rae and Paul Gallagher will remain in their roles and Sergeant Mike Lank will fill the third lieutenant position.
Rafferty said Officer Mike Brady will fill the opening left by Sgt. Lank’s promotion and the department is in the process of backfilling Officer Brady’s role as a school resource officer.
Sherrill and Keleher both joined the CPD as permanent intermittent officers in 1993 and both became full-time police officers that same year.
Sherrill is a lifelong resident of Canton, a 1985 CHS graduate, and a 1989 graduate of Fitchburg State College, where she majored in biology and exercise science. She also holds a master’s degree from Anna Maria College and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. She was appointed sergeant in 1999 and lieutenant in March of 2005, and in 2010 she received a Certificate in Public Safety Leadership and Management from Suffolk University.
Rafferty said Sherrill was instrumental in helping the CPD receive state accreditation status. “She is a true advocate for victims of all ages and those suffering from mental illness and addiction,” said Rafferty.
Keleher is also a lifelong resident of Canton. His late father, Thomas Sr., was a legend as a motorcycle officer for the CPD and his grandfather, Dan, served as chief from 1965 to 1971. Keleher Jr. made sergeant in 2003 and lieutenant in January of 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western New England and is a 2008 graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Keleher currently serves as the commander of the Metro-LEC Crisis Negotiator Unit and as a member of its Joint Terrorism Task Force. “These roles will be a huge asset in his new position,” said Rafferty …
See this week’s Citizen for more CPD personnel news, including new police academy graduates and Chief Berkowitz’s retirement celebration. Click here to order your subscription today!
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=88748
Posted by Mike Berger
on Jul 22 2022. Filed under News, Police & Fire.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
