Belmont High Football Salutes Retiring Police Chief In Season Opener

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Photo: James MacIsaac, Belmont Police Chief and Head Coach of the Belmont Junior Marauders

Belmont High School football will honor retiring Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac before the Middlesex League season opener on Thursday, according to Belmont High School Athletic Director Adam Pritchard.

While mostly known for this more than quarter century career in public safety, the life-long Belmont resident is instrumental in promoting football by establishing the Belmont Junior Marauders football club, recuiting Belmont Middle School students – both boys and girls – to learn and play games against opponants throughout eastern Massachusetts.

The ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4 at Harris Field. The Belmont High football team will get its season underway at 7 p.m. against Waltham High School.

Breaking: In Unexpected Move, Police Chief MacIsaac Announces Retirement

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Photo: Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac

In a surprise move, Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac announced his retirement from his post effective Aug. 25.

“After much reflection, I have decided that the time has come to move on,” MacIsaac said in a one-page letter dated Aug. 6 to the town’s Select Board.

“Serving Belmont has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am deeply grateful for the trust, support, and friendships I have experienced along the way,” he said.

“Chief MacIsaac has served our community with honor, dedication, and integrity since 1999, and has been an invaluable part of our police department’s leadership. Chief MacIsaac is also a proud resident of our community, making his commitment even more personal and impactful,” said Patrice Garvin, Belmont Town Administrator reacting to the announcement.

Hired as a police officer in 1999, the lifelong Belmont resident was appointed by the Select Board in December 2019 after many years as Assistant Chief under Richard McLaughlin. Right off the bat, MacIsaac faced the COVID shutdown and the impact on police/public relations of the George Floyd murder a few months later.

“The most effective way we can build trust between the police and the community is for us to get to know one another. I, and the members of the Belmont Police Department, will always make ourselves available to anyone who has concerns or questions regarding operations, tactics and how we interact with the public,” said MacIsaac in a letter to the community in May 2020.

MacIsaac was outfront as the public face of law enforcement in the racially-based murder of Henry Tapia on Upland Street in January 2021, winning praise for his willingness to engage with the affect communities.

Also under MacIsaac’s watch saw the Police Department in 2023 depart from Civil Service, something he had advocated for many years. In recent months, a series of violent gun incidents – including one which a man was wounded by gunfire – and other incidents have increased concerns from residents on being safe in Belmont.

MacIsaac was in the first year of a new three-year contract approved last year which began Jan. 1, 2025 and ran through Dec. 31. 2027. His base salary was $225,000 under the contract with annual cost of living adjustments and merit pay reviews.

MacIsaac is Belmont’s 12th full-time chief since David Chenery, Jr. was named Superintendent of Highways and Police Chief in 1877.

“I have been truly fortunate to call Belmont both my home and my place of work,” said MacIsaac.

Following past precedent, the Select Board will appoint a Police Chief Screening Committee which will whittle down candidates to a pair of finalists. After a public interview, the Board will vote on a new police chief.

Multiple Shots Fired On Channing Road In Monday Night Incident; Second Significant Shooting In ’25

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Photo: Channing Road

Belmont Police is seeking the publics help as it investigates a shooting on Channing Road Monday night, July 7, which left a house riddled with bullets.

In a press release from Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac, multiple shots were heard in the area of Channing Road near Belmont Center at approximatley 10:57 p.m. After arriving, officers discovered someone or some people had fired off at least 15 rounds, with multiple gunshots striking a residence. MacIsaac said no one was injured during the incident.

At this time, the Belmont Police believes this was an isolated event. Police are working with the
Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney and Belmont resident Marian Ryan, in the investigation.

This marks the second significant shooting in Belmont in 2025.  On Feb. 24, gunfire in the vicinity of Clark Lane, a dead-end road off Royal Road, resulted in one person wounded and a suspect on the run. The victim later drove himself to a local hospital.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact the
Belmont Police Department Detective Division at 617-993-2550.

Suspect In Clark Lane Shooting Remains At Large, Victim Hospitalized

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Photo: Clark Lane in Belmont

A suspect in the Monday night shooting of a man on Clark Lane remains at large as Belmont Police continues its investigation into the incident that left a victim hospitalized.

In a press release from Belmont Polie dated Feb. 25, at 9:12 p.m. Monday, the Belmont Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots as well as a person shot in the vicinity of Clark Lane, a dead-end road off of Royal Road lined by multi-unit dwellings that end near Pearson Road.
When officers arrived, both the suspected shooter and the victim had fled the scene. Belmont Police and officers from Watertown, Waltham, and Arlington collected evidence at the scene while searching for the individuals. Soon afterward, the police learned the wounded man had driven himself to Mt. Auburn Hospital. 

The suspect remains a fugitive as of Wednesday. Belmont Police have yet to identify either the victim or shooter but have reassured residents “that this was not a random act of violence, and there is no immediate threat to the community,” noted the press release. 

The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is urged to contact Belmont Police Detectives at 617-993-2550.

Snow Emergency Parking Ban in Belmont Starting Sat., Feb. 15 at 9 PM With Forecast Of Snow And Ice

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Photo: Snow with a coating of ice will make travel on Sunday “nearly impossible”

Effective Saturday night, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m., a SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING BAN on all roadways, municipal, and school parking lots has been announced by the Belmont Police Department. The parking ban will continue until further notice. All vehicles parked in violation of of the parking ban will be towed at the owners expense.

The ban comes as the National Weather Service at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb.15, a Winter Weather Advisory that will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. The weather event will result in a mix of snow and sleet with accumulations between 2 and 6 inches and ice accumulations between a trace and 0.15 inches.

“Slow down and use caution while traveling,” noted the NWS. “Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”

“Travel could be nearly impossible,” said the NWS.

Select Board OK Merit Pay Increases For Public Safety Chiefs

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Belmont’s public safety chiefs received merit pay increases after the Belmont Select Board conducted its annual performance review during the board’s Aug. 26 meeting.

Police Chief James MacIsaac and Fire Chief David DeStefano received two percent merit increases effective July 1, 2024. Each also collected a two percent cost-of-living adjustment on July 1. MacIssac’s annual salary increases to $218,676.14, while DeStefano’s pay is now $184,671, according to Director of Human Resources Kelli King.

Both men received high overall scores – 4.75 out of a top score of 5 – in their merit review by the three-member Select Board and Town Administrator Patrice Garvin. King summarized the comments and totaled the scores in eight categories highlighting the chief strengths, various opportunities and the board’s statements.

DeStefano was described as a “consensus builder [who] has provided much needed direction to the department, making it more innovative and successful.” His expertise is viewed as crucial in helping Belmont’s drive to stimulate new growth and increased density. While facing budget and staffing constraints, DeStefano move towards promoting department-wide paramedic training as “a promising step for addressing these challenge.”

“Chief DeStefano is seen as a strong, balanced leader who has a cohesive team and has proven to be the right person for both Belmont and the entire department,” said King.

MacIssac is “recognized as an articulate and clear sighted leader” who “takes challenges head on, regardless of their difficulty.” His commitment to modern policing is evident in his focus on promoting de-escalation techniques, the use of a social worker to resolve domestic disputes as alternative to deadly force. The board noted his leadership was “instrumental in the decision to leave civil service” which the board praised and has resulted in a substantial increase of new hires this year.

“The [police] department is a source of pride for Belmont, a reflection of Chief McIssac’s leadership and the effort of every member of the team. His exemplary performance especially over the past year and its various challenges, underscores his effectiveness,” said King paraphasing the comments of the Select Board.

Belmont Issues Heat Advisory, Opens Cooling Center At Beech Street, 1/2 Price Pool Admission

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Photo: The Underwood Pool will have reduced admission during heat advisory.

Due to the upcoming period of high heat and humidity, the Beech Street Center at 266 Beech St. will be open as a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, and Wednesday, July 16-17.

Additionally, the Underwood Pool at the intersection of Concord and Cottage will be open Monday July 15 through Wednesday July 17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is half price admission for Belmont residents until the close on Wednesday.

“We encourage everyone to stay cool and hydrated. We ask that you check on elderly friends and neighbors, along with others, who may need help during this period of high heat and humidity,” said a message from the Belmont Police Department

With Civil Service No Longer In The Mix, Belmont Police Readies Job Offers To Fill Long-standing Shortfall

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Photo: Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac

For the first time since leaving the Massachusetts Civil Service hiring system in 2023, the Belmont Police Department is close to hiring three new officers to close a chronic decade-long shortfall.

“It’s a new era. We’re excited about it, and we think it’s going to help us in the long run,” said Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac.

In the past five years under Civil Service, “we’ve had a tremendous amount of trouble trying to find candidates to fill these positions,” said Patrice Garvin, town administrator, at a meeting of the Select Board .

Over the past four years, the number of acceptable applicants coming from the state’s list was limited: four candidates in 2020, three in 2021, two in 2022, and just a single candidate in 2023. The resulting impact was undermanned and continuous large budget payouts in overtime.

“There was a hiring problem that we felt was becoming a crisis,” said Roy Epstein, select board chair. “And the only real solution was to withdraw from Civil Service.”

And since leaving Civil Service and creating its own hiring policy, MacIsaac has been freed to venture out into an open market of potential personnel. He also didn’t have to wait until July for civil service to release a list the candidates who successfully passed its test and were available to communities; he can post positions the moment they become open.

“Over the last month, we’ve entered a new era in both retaining and hiring police officers, and … it’s a new experience for me,” said MacIsaac.

“We posted an opening on May 7, and we’ve had 15 candidates apply, so far. We have conducted six interviews and will be conducting more interviews next week,” said MacIsaac. As of the last week in June, “the department has made four conditional offers of employment,” he said.

Of the four candidates, one has already completed the background checks and MacIsaacs hope to have the applicant in the Police Academy in September, while two of the four are post-certified officers, which means if they accept the position and pass the background process, would be able to start immediately. MacIsaac said two of the candidates identify as Hispanic and speak Spanish, which would increase diversity on the police force.

But until they sign on the dotted line, Belmont is in competition with neighboring communities, including Watertown, for the prospective candidates, a situation MacIsaac said was “unthinkable” just a decade ago.

“We’re hoping that they’re going to choose to work here,” said MacIsaac.

With The State-Wide ‘9-1-1’ System Down, Use These Numbers For Emergencies In Belmont

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Photo: Belmont Police

With the Massachusetts ‘9-1-1’ system down and out as of Tuesday, June 18, the Belmont Police Dept. is advising Belmont residents who have police, fire, or medical emergencies to call Belmont Police on these alternate phone numbers:

  • 617-484-1212
  • 617-484-1300

Residents should not use 911 until the system is restored.

If there is an emergency outside of Belmont, contact the Massachusetts State Police at 508-820-2121.

Be Prepared For Tuesday’s Nor’easter With Important Belmont Safety Numbers

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Photo: Get ready for a parking ban on Tuesday.

If you thought you wouldn’t need to use the snow shovel or salt on the sidewalk this warmer-than-usual winter, you would be in for a rude surprise on Tuesday morning as an old-fashioned nor’easter will slam into Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a Winter Storm Warning for most of the region.

For Belmont residents, Tuesday will be about parking restrictions and having town resources close at hand.

“A significant winter storm will continue impacting the Southern Rockies and High Plains today before turning northeast and aiming for the Northern Mid-Atlantic, New York, and New England early this week,” said an NWS press release sent out at 3 a.m. Sunday, Feb 11.

“Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph,” predicts the NWS on Sunday. The storm will start late Monday night and last through late Tuesday night. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

Residents should expect the Belmont Police to issue a Snow Emergency Parking Ban just before the storm arrives. During the ban, vehicles parked on town roadways, and in municipal and Belmont Public School parking lots will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Residents should visit the town’s website for information on winter weather and the snow removal bylaw.

With high winds expected, there is a possibility power to residences will be impacted. Residents should contact Belmont Light to report outages – do not call 911 unless it is a true emergency.

  • Call Belmont Light at 617-993-2800 to report an outage.
  • To text an outage report, message your information to 617-993-6006 (message and data rates may apply) with your name, address, and outage information.