PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Tyngsborough- Town Manager Colin Loiselle announces the appointment of Deputy Chief Shaun Woods as Chief of Police.
October 15, 2024 - Tyngsborough – Town Manager Colin Loiselle announced today that he has appointed Deputy Chief Shaun Woods to serve as Tyngsborough’s next Chief of Police.
This appointment follows a comprehensive search process that invited candidates both from inside and outside the department to apply. In total, 12 applicants were considered, four participated in structured interviews organized by the Town’s consultant Parow & Associates, and two finalists were invited to participate in additional interviews. The review process included feedback from the search firm which consisted of retired area Chiefs, members of the Select Board, and members of the Town’s senior staff. At the conclusion of the review process, Town Manager Colin Loiselle determined that Deputy Chief Woods had the experience, training, leadership skills, and community involvement that the Town of Tyngsborough deserves in its next Chief of Police.
Town Manager Colin Loiselle notes “As we embarked on this process, we took the time to understand what the community wanted in a Chief of Police. This included soliciting feedback from staff and elected officials. It was clear to me that Deputy Chief Shaun Woods is not only the best candidate based on his experience and service to Tyngsborough, but he is the only candidate that aligned perfectly with the feedback we heard.”
In accepting the appointment, Deputy Chief Shaun Woods said “It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the next Chief of Police for the Town of Tyngsborough, a community I have been proud to be a part of for 25 years, and where I am raising my family. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated and committed staff to continue ensuring the safety and security of all residents, providing community-oriented police service with professionalism and pride.”
Deputy Woods began his career in public safety as a public safety dispatcher and civilian detention attendant for the City of Lowell in 1999. He also served as a public safety dispatcher in Tyngsborough from 2000 to 2001 when he entered the Lowell Police Academy as a cadet for the City of Lowell. When a job opened up for a patrol officer in Tyngsborough, Deputy Woods dropped out of Lowell PD mid-academy to work for the Town of Tyngsborough. He has served in every rank within the department going back to his patrol officer days in 2001. He served as a Sergeant for six years, a Lieutenant for 7 years, and has served as Deputy Chief for the last six years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
In sharing his support for the appointment, Select Board Chair Eric Eldridge said “I proudly support the appointment of Shaun Woods as our new Chief of Police, I am confident in his ability to lead with integrity, dedication ,and a vision for a safer community. I believe his extensive experience, commitment to public service, and connection to Tyngsborough makes him uniquely qualified.”
Deputy Woods has been serving as Interim Chief of Police following the retirement of former Chief Richard Howe. Deputy Woods will begin his new role as permanent Chief on October 17, 2024. A formal swearing in ceremony will take place at 6 PM on November 4, 2024 at Town Hall ahead of the Select Board meeting.
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Contact:
Town Manager Colin Loiselle
cloiselle@tyngsboroughma.gov | 978-649-2300 x100