The Select Board unanimously voted to promote Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Sgt. Matthew McNeil to lieutenants of the Hopkinton Police Department at its meeting on Feb. 5. Chief of Police Joseph Bennett recommended the promotions and referred to the vote as a “momentous” day for the town and department. O’Neil’s and McNeil’s promotions reflect their commitment to their work, Bennett said.
Deputy Chief of Police Scott van Raalten, who was promoted from lieutenant in December, joined O’Neil and McNeil at the Board meeting. “Between the two of them, there are over 50 years of experience in Hopkinton, not only in law enforcement,” van Raalten said. “For a department that is growing leaps and bounds, I couldn’t be happier to have them at our side to assist us in developing our new officers.”
Prior to the vote, Select Board member Shahidul Mannan asked the officers to describe their leadership styles and how they plan to continue the department’s excellence. “I appreciate the opportunity to be in this position,” O’Neil said. He explained his growth in the department over the past two years to prepare him and McNeil for this new role.
“We’ve been stepping up in our roles the past couple of years, and we’re really looking forward to just moving forward. And now we have a full head of steam,” McNeil added to his fellow officer’s response. “This is a great next step for building that next level of leadership for our town’s police department,” Mannan said.
“I’ve been waiting for this night,” Select Board Vice Chair Mary Jo LaFreniere said. She added her personal experiences interacting with the two officers around town and supported the decision to promote them. “I think the town should be very excited to have you guys step into this role,” Select Board member Joe Clark said, congratulating the two officers on their promotion.
Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch pointed out that there has been only one lieutenant in the past and asked if there was room in the budget for two lieutenants. Bennett clarified that the department has unexpended funds to use and is also transitioning from having a top-step sergeant position to a second lieutenant.
McNeil and O’Neil were joined by friends, family, and fellow officers to congratulate them on their new position after the Board unanimously voted to approve their promotions.
