Select Board conditionally offers police chief position to Murphy
Bolton's Select Board votes to extend conditional offer for police chief to Donald Patrick Murphy. The unanimous 3-0 decision came after discussing three finalists and narrowing to Murphy and Sergeant Christopher Bradley. Board member Bill Nickles cited Murphy's private industry and accreditation
Select Board · Meeting of February 17, 2026
Bolton's Select Board votes to extend conditional offer for police chief to Donald Patrick Murphy. The unanimous 3-0 decision came after discussing three finalists and narrowing to Murphy and Sergeant Christopher Bradley. Board member Bill Nickles cited Murphy's private industry and accreditation experience as decisive.
Board member Brian Boyle highlighted Murphy's budget expertise and calm demeanor, though he noted Bradley's strong leadership. Board member Kate Buyuk said she had more confidence in Murphy's experience at sergeant and lieutenant ranks. The conditional offer is pending a successful background check and contract negotiations.
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Source: the Select Board meeting of February 17, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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