By Caitlin V. Reidy
The torch is being passed to Sean Gaudette, Sterling’s new official Chief of Police.
On the 3rd of June, 2022, Chief Gaudette was formally sworn in as Chief of Police at 10:00AM in a public ceremony at Sterling Police Headquarters. There were several supportive onlookers at the ceremony, including Chief Gaudette’s family members, residents of Sterling, and first responders from neighboring towns and communities.
Several groups of ‘men and women in blue’ from the surrounding municipalities of Clinton, Worcester, and state units were present for the event. Parking was difficult to find, and crowds of people were gathered outside in drizzly weather to cheer and support Sterling’s new Police Chief.
During his inauguration speech, Chief Gaudette thanked his community members, his fellow police department, Sterling’s selectboard members who approved his position, Chief Gary Chamberland (RET), and his mother [deceased].
Chief Gaudette further conveyed that the officers, detectives, and men and women in blue by his side would be there to carry on the tradition of community policing and be the next chief(s) of Sterling.
“The next three or four chiefs are [probably] standing with me today,” Chief Gaudette stated. “The greatest gift that you can give [to this town and force] is the gift of time.”
At the conclusion of Chief Gaudette’s speech, he was met by a loud round of applause by spectators. In a true close community fashion, he made rounds to greet and thank everyone for their support.
Sterling’s former Police Chief, Gary Chamberland was present at the event. He stated that “he [Sean] has been his right hand man for the past decade.”
“I gave him tasks that I knew would be done right,” The former chief stated. “Sean [Chief Gaudette] is a logical person, adapts well, and showed our board of selectmen that he is an excellent fit and choice.”
Among other first responders present at the event was Jim Emerton of the Sterling Fire Department. He was one of several ‘men and women in red’ to be present to support Sterling’s new chief.
“I came to support him [Chief Gaudette]. We [firefighters] are always here to support our community and other first responders. Whether it’s during the day or in the evening, we’re here to back each other,” Emerton said.
Clinton’s Police Department had a large showing of support for Sterling’s new leadership as well. Chief Brian Coyne, Lieutenant Tom Nelson, and Lieutenant Joanne Duggan of the Clinton Police Department emphasized the importance of collaboration, communication, and support for their “neighboring community.”
“He [Sean Gaudette] is an excellent choice for police chief. He’s a great guy and is going to do wonderful things for this community,” Chief Coyne stated.
Newly sworn-in Chief Gaudette stated that he wasn’t “surprised” by the selectboard’s choice to make him the official Chief of Police [while he was the interim chief, post Gary Chamberland’s retirement]. However, he did state that he was “humbled and grateful.”
“We have a strong department here [in Sterling], and I intend to carry out Chief Chamberland’s legacy of community policing,” Chief Gaudette stated. “When Gary [Chief Chamberland] first arrived here, he fixed many internal issues within the department and built it up.”
Chief Gaudette further stated that he was overwhelmed by Sterling’s support of his position and that Sterling represents “community policing at its heart.”
In regards to the public’s opinion on police officers, Chief Gaudette stated that “Law enforcement is one of the select professions where we get a bad rap for what one person does [wrong].” Chief Gaudette stated that he wants to continue Sterling’s legacy of trust with law enforcement, as well as building trust with the public’s view on police officers, through “family experience, professionalism, and doing the right thing the right way.”
