'Total disrespect': Dighton backs down amid outcry over police chief hiring. What we know

Michael J. DeCicco
·3 min read

DIGHTON — The town has reversed course on its plan to name a Fairhaven police sergeant as the only finalist for Dighton's next police chief after a public outcry over a hiring process that skipped over the town's acting chief and did not include interviews with multiple candidates in the final round.

Dighton Selectmen Chair Peter Caron said in a statement posted on the town's website on Monday, Feb. 26, the board has changed its plan to interview the lone finalist, Fairhaven Police Sgt. Timothy F. Souza, as chief at its Wednesday, Feb. 28, meeting.

Instead, on that date it will re-evaluate the hiring steps it took.

Fairhaven Police Sgt. Timothy F. Souza, left, was named in February 2024, the sole finalist for Dighton Police Chief, causing a backlash over the fact Acting Dighton Police Chief George Nichols was bypassed. Selectmen are now revisiting the decision.
Fairhaven Police Sgt. Timothy F. Souza, left, was named in February 2024, the sole finalist for Dighton Police Chief, causing a backlash over the fact Acting Dighton Police Chief George Nichols was bypassed. Selectmen are now revisiting the decision.

Why did officials change their minds?

"As Town officials, we place great importance in ensuring a fair, transparent, and qualifications-based process for the appointment of Dighton's next Chief of Police by the Board of Selectmen," Caron said.

"All residents should have confidence in the hiring process. Based on feedback and questions received by the Town, the Board will be re-evaluating the current process to identify any areas where it may be improved before moving forward. This week's Board of Selectmen agenda will include proposed updates to the hiring process for the Selectmen to begin considering and will no longer include the interview of any finalist police chief candidate."

In a move that drew the ire of the police union, the general public and even fellow Selectman Leonard Hull, Dighton Board of Selectmen Chairman Peter Caron, Town Administrator Michael Mullen Jr., and Human Resources Coordinator Karin Brady announced in a press release last week that Fairhaven Police Sgt. Timothy F. Sousa had been named the lone finalist for consideration by Selectmen to become Dighton's next police chief and would be interviewed by the select board at their next regular meeting.

Dighton Selectman Leonard Hull, second from right, and Town Administrator Michael Mullen, right, speak with U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, left, on a tour of the town on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. Also pictured are former Dighton selectmen Brett Zografos, second from left, and Ken Pacheco.
Dighton Selectman Leonard Hull, second from right, and Town Administrator Michael Mullen, right, speak with U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, left, on a tour of the town on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. Also pictured are former Dighton selectmen Brett Zografos, second from left, and Ken Pacheco.

'Slap in the face' Backlash in Dighton after acting police chief passed over for job

Hull complained in a responding letter that even though he recently withdrew from running for re-election he's still a selectman but wasn't part of the decision making process. And Acting Chief George Nichols is upset because he was passed over for the job without even being interviewed, Hull said.

"This was total disrespect to an officer who has filled in as chief and has served Dighton for over 12 years," Hull said in his letter. "This is also a slap in the face to a Dighton resident who is currently a Deputy Police Chief in another community who couldn't get an interview before the full Board."

Dighton residents hold a "back the blue" rally on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at at the corner of Route 138 and Center Street to protest the hiring process for Dighton's next police chief.
Dighton residents hold a "back the blue" rally on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at at the corner of Route 138 and Center Street to protest the hiring process for Dighton's next police chief.

Why Hull's not running Former Dighton town clerk running for open selectmen's seat

Police union speaks out

The Local 305 police officers union's response letter posted on Facebook complained the group was told the hiring process would be internal only. But instead it was opened to outside candidates as well.

"A decision like this destroys morale and offers no opportunity for promotion ... Our town is a small community with many intricacies that require ... knowledge and understanding," the union said.  "An outside Police Chief does not have this knowledge."

'Could use another 120 Manny Spencers' Taunton cop remembered as 'great all around guy'

Back the blue rally protests hiring process

Former Veterans Agent Robert Woods organized a group of residents to make their opinions against the hiring decision known at a "back the blue" rally at the corner of Route 138 and Center Street on Sunday, Feb. 25.

On Monday, Woods reported the rally was "a tremendous success."

"A lot of supporters were blowing their horns and waving. A great success. I think they (the selectmen) have got to do the whole process all over again and get it right," Woods said Monday.

From left, Dighton Selectman Peter Caron; Town Administrator Michael Mullen; Dighton-Rehoboth School Superintendent William Runey; and Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee member Christopher Andrade are seen in this photo taken Jan. 11 at Dighton Elementary School.
From left, Dighton Selectman Peter Caron; Town Administrator Michael Mullen; Dighton-Rehoboth School Superintendent William Runey; and Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee member Christopher Andrade are seen in this photo taken Jan. 11 at Dighton Elementary School.

Why did the town reverse course?

Asked to comment on the change of plan, Town Administrator Michael Mullen said simply, "Selectmen Chairman Peter Caron's statement speaks for itself. It is important to bring the discussion back to the Board of Selectmen."

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Dighton reverses itself after naming lone finalist for police chief