Shane Smith Signs Three Year Contract Becoming Belmont Police Chief

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Photo: Shane Smith during his February interview with the Belmont Select Board

The Belmont Select Board unanimously ratified a three-year contract with Shane Smith to be the town’s next Police Chief at its Monday, March 23 meeting.

According to Kelly King, Belmont’s HR director, Smith’s starting salary is $210,000. The contract also requires Smith to establish residency within 15 miles of Belmont by the end of next summer.

Smith starts his new job on May 4, said King. 

“This is great news for Belmont,” said Select Board Chair Matt Taylor. “We got an outstanding new police chief. It’s been great discussing this with our new police chief … [and] we’re really excited to get started.”

The Select Board unanimously selected Smith from two other finalists at a special meeting on Feb. 20.

Smith was recently the deputy chief in Salem, NH, having spent his entire 24-year law enforcement career on the Salem Police Department. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology, Smith attended the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va, in 2024.

Smith replaces James MacIsaac, who left in August to become director of Campus Safety and Security at the Middlesex School in Concord, Mass. Assistant Belmont Police Chief Mark Hurley has been the department’s interim head for the past seven months.

Speaking to the Belmontonian after the ratification vote, Smith said his “initial feel for the town, meeting the Select Board, dealing with the town administrator, and HR, has been fantastic. They’re just so welcoming.” 

While waiting for the meeting to start, Smith said he ran into an officer in Belmont Center.

“Today, I went and got a coffee downtown, and I saw an officer there and spoke to the patrolman. He was educated, he was well-spoken, he was genuine, everything I would look for in a patrolman,” said Smith.

Smith said coming from the outside, he will first need to take an inventory of what the police department is, who the people are, and what their culture is, “so there’s not going to be any major changes initially.” 

“I have to figure out what they’re doing right, and then I’m sure there are some areas that we can improve on. But I have to take that inventory first, and then I’m going to meet with every single person within the police department as well as the Select Board and stakeholders within the community and find out what direction that they want to go,” Smith said.

“My plan is to develop a strategic plan so everyone will know the direction the department is going, and I will set some goals of what we intend to do,” he said. 

“What I’m hearing about this police department is that it’s a great group of officers. Also, something that drew me to the job is that the assistant chief and the captain both will be here for a couple of years to help with my transition. So I’m looking forward to making a relationship with them and learning just how the town operates and how the Police Department operates.”

“I know people might be apprehensive [coming from outside the department], so I hope that they give him the opportunity to build that relationship, because that’s where trust comes from—by building relationships first,” said Smith.

Town Names Three Finalists For Police Chief Post, No Internal Belmont PD Candidates On List

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Photo: Belmont Police Department

Three finalists – one from the next town over, there’s the current president of state’s Police Chiefs organization, and a deputy chief from (barely) across the state line – to fill the post of Belmont’s police chief will be presented at a Friday afternoon meeting, Feb. 20, of the Belmont Select Board.

Who wasn’t selected for a final interview was an internal Belmont Police Department candidate, a request from the patrol officers and sargents unions as well as many residents.

The finalists coming before the Select Board on Friday are:

  • 2:30 p.m.: Shane C. Smith
  • 3:30 p.m.: Daniel S. Unsworth
  • 4:30 p.m.: Shane D. Woodson

Shane Smith is the deputy chief in Salem, NH. He has spent his entire law enforcement career on the Salem Police Dept., spanning 24 years. Smith attended the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA in 2024. He graduated from University of Massachusetts Lowell with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology.

Shane Smith

Daniel Unsworth has spend the past 19 years on the Watertown Police Department, most recently as Captain of the department’s Administrative Services Bureau which includes the Detective Division, budget management and facilities management, and managing community policing. Unsworth has his master’s in Criminal Justice from Western New England University.

Daniel Unsworth

Shane Woodson is the chief of the Southbridge Police Department where he has served for the past three decades. This past December, Woodson was installed as the 2026 President of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

Shane Woodson

Police Chief Interviews Before Select Board Taking Place Friday, Feb. 20 Beginning At 3 PM

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Photo:

The finalists to be Belmont’s next Police Chief will come before the public and the Select Board on the Friday of school vacation week at Belmont Town Hall.

Town Administrator Patrice Garvin said the interviews will commence after the Select Board holds its general business beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. The interview section of the meeting will start at 3 p.m.

Garvin would not say how many candidates will be scrutanized by the three-member board or if any are interternal candidates, which the leadership for the patrol officers, and sargents unions have said is their preference. The Select Board strongly preferred three finalists if the Committee feels they have that many qualified candidates.

The announcement of the interviews came on the same day as the final meeting of the Police Chief Screening Committee. The seven-member committee chaired by former Select Board member Roy Epstein, was assisted by Chelmsford-based Parow Consulting & Associates which performs Fire and Police Chief recruitment services.

Former Chief James MacIsaac announced his retirement in July. Assistant Belmont Police Chief Mark Hurley was named the department’s interim head by the Belmont Select Board on Thursday, Aug. 21. Chief James MacIsaac who announced his retirement in July.

Crash Between Commuter Rail Train And Car At Brighton Street Crossing Leaves Two Hospitalized

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Photo: Map of accident

An early morning collission on Monday, Jan. 26 between a MBTA commuter train and a full-size SUV that stalled on the tracks of the Fitchburg line at Brighton Street sent the two occupants of the car to the hospital with serious but not-life theatening injuries.

The 4 a.m. crash occured at the tail end of the winter storm that left nearly 20 inches of snow on the ground. Belmont and MBTA Transit police along with numerous news outlets all reported the 2014 Toyota “became stuck” at the crossing, which was struck by the train. The impact trapping the driver and passenger in the wreaked vehicle, forcing firefighters to use hydraulic rescue equipment to free them.

The at grade crossing has seen its share of incidents and near misses between commuter rail trains and vehicles. On Dec. 9, 2016, a 58-year-old woman was seriously injuried when her SUV was struck at the same location after the vehicle was trapped on the tracks due to heavy traffic. In June 2013, a vehicle drove onto the commuter rail tracks at the Brighton Street crossing and was struck by a commuter rail train. No one was injured.

MBTA Transit Police said an investigation on the collision is underway.

Belmont Snowstorm Update: Schools Delayed Opening, Parking Ban Lifted, Trash/Recycling Starts Tuesday

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Photo: Opening the roads in Belmont after the two-day storm that left 20 inches of snow.

After weathering a powerful storm that wreaked havoc across the country and dumped more than 20 inches over Sunday and Monday, Belmont is getting back to business.

The Belmont Department of Public Works reports the Snow Emergency Parking Ban will be lifted at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Trash and recycling collection will begin on Tuesday, with the pickup schedule delayed a day as if Monday was a holiday: If your collection day is Monday this week, it will be picked up on Tuesday, etc.

To the relief of parents, Belmont Public Schools will reopen on Tuesday, but with a two-hour delay.

All town offices – including the Belmont Public Library, the Beech Street Center, and Town Hall – will be up and running Tuesday under normal times of operation. 

Middlesex DA: Watertown Man, 18, With Belmont Ties Killed In Moped/Vehicle Accident

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Photo: A Google Maps image of the location of the fatal accident involving a moped and a SUV in Belmont

An 18-year-old Watertown resident with Belmont ties was killed in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of  Stults Road and Fairview Avenue at approximately 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4.

In a joint press release from the Middlesex County District Attorney and the Belmont Police Department, a young man on a moped was first identified by Belmont Police driving “erratically” on the wrong side of Trapelo Road heading eastbound onto Belmont Street.

When Belmont officers attempted to stop the moped, the driver continued down Belmont Street before turning left onto Stults Road. It was at the first intersection where the moped ran a stop sign and struck a Honda CR-V, a compact SUV, travelling on Fairview Avenue.

It is still not clear if there was an active police pursuit of the moped at the time of the accident.

“The teen was transported to an area hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead,” said the release. The driver of the Honda CR-V was also sent to the hospital with “minor injuries.” The man has not been identified by authorities. According to several local sources, the young man, who attended school in Cambridge, was the son of a Belmont town employee.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Belmont Police, Massachusetts State Police Collision Reconstruction Section and Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section are investigating the incident.

Belmont Fire Chief DeStefano Earns Merit Bump, Contract Extended To 2028

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Photo: Belmont Fire Chief David DeStefano

The Belmont Select Board approved a two percent merit pay increase to Belmont Fire Chief David DeStefano as part of his annual performance review at its Aug. 25 meeting. The board also extended DeStefano’s contract for an additional year to 2028. DeStefano’s salary as of October 2024 is $168,642.79.

I just like to thank the Select Board for their past support,” said DeStefano. “I look forward to working with [the Select Board] continuing in the future, [with] the town administrator and town staff as well.”

DeStefano began his career in 1989 at the North Providence (R.I.) Fire Department, becoming Belmont’s top firefighter in March 2021.

Before the board’s vote, Belmont Human Resources Director Kelli King discussed the results of DeStefano’s performance review, collated from comments by the Board and Patrice Garvin, the town administrator. In what she called a “little executive summary, the overall assessment is that [DeStefano] provides a steady professional leadership during a period of fiscal constraints and staffing challenges.”

“The theme amongst all of your comments is that the chief is a strong leader. He has great financial discipline, great financial aptitude in working within the constraints of the budget. He’s very active in engaging with the community, and he’s working on deepening the relationships internal to the department, and … being open to constructive feedback and willing to make changes, something that’s hard for a lot of other folks to do,” said King.

“He has strengthened the Fire Department through fiscal discipline, long term planning and active community engagement, while opportunities remain to deepen internal relationships and guide the department through the evolving EMS Focus model, his commitment adaptability and integrity have made him a valuable leader for the department and the town,” read the summary.

DeStefano said while the review relates directly to him, “anything that’s accomplished with the Fire Department is a team effort. I’m fortunate as chief in the town to have the dedicated firefighters that we have working hard, training hard, and putting together all the elements to make fire and life safety services happen in the town of Belmont.”

Belmont Fire Department Adds Three ‘Probies’ To Force

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Photo: Belmont’s newly hired firefighters; Daniel Keenan, Ryan O’Neil, and Kyle Forester.

Belmont’s three newest firefighters were ceremonisly pinned with their department badges at the Select Board’s final summer time meeting on Monday, Aug. 25.

Belmont Fire Chief David DeStefano introduced the trio: Kyle Forester, Ryan O’Neil, and Daniel Keenan, before family, friends, residents and fellow firefighters. The three “probies” began working in Belmont’s two fire houses a month ago. The fire department now has 52 members on staff.

“Thank you for having us here tonight to meet our new members and take part in this special event in their careers,” said DeStefano. “Each comes from a variety of backgrounds and experiences that will serve to enhance their ability to protect the lives and property of the people of Belmont.”

The probationary firefighters attended the Massachusetts Fire Academy and completed an in-house training program at the Fire Department.

Forester is a graduate of Burlington High School and a veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and US Army. Forester was pinned by his wife, Tamta.

O’Neal attended the Massachusetts fire academy and completed an in-house training program at the Belmont Fire Department. O’Neal is a graduate of Central Catholic High School and UMass Lowell, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He is finishing his studies to become certified as a paramedic. O’Neal was pinned by Becca Donnelly.

A registered nurse, Keenan attended the Massachusetts fire academy and completed an in-house training program at the Belmont Fire Department. He is a graduate of Hanover High School and Plymouth State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. Keenan was pinned by his mother, Sandra.

Select Board Names Hurley As Interim Belmont Police Chief As Job Search For MacIsaac’s Replacement Begins

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Photo: Mark Hurley, Belmont’s interim Police Chief

Assistant Belmont Police Chief Mark Hurley was named the department’s interim head by the Belmont Select Board on Thursday, Aug. 21.

After meeting with Hurley in exective session in Town Hall, the board voted unanimously to elevate the life-long Belmont resident to the department’s top spot as the town begins the search to replace current Chief James MacIsaac who announced his retirement in July.

Acknowledging that Hurley is undertaking two jobs moving forward and will be a critical piece of the transition to a new chief, “we’re really grateful for [Hurley] to step up and help our community, both at this time and going forward,” said Board Chair Matt Taylor.

The board approved an interim annual salary of $205,000 for Hurley’s tenure as chief. Board member Elizabeth Dionne said “there’s always a lot of public attention” when it comes to paying top line salaries.

Besides the market realities for an experienced public safety leader, “I believe … Hurley has some unique skills at a time when it is difficult to hire qualified chiefs,” said Dionne. “We have a lot of issues on the town’s right now, and we are very grateful that he is going to step forward in this transition time.”

A 1989 graduate of Belmont High School, Hurley holds a Bachelor of Arts from UMass/Boston and Master’s Degree from Western New England College.

Hurley began his career with the Belmont Police Department in 1998. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2007 and Lieutenant in 2014. MacIsaac appointed Hurley to second in charge of the department in May 2020.

After his appointment, Hurley said he will continue the current direction of the department.

“I think we do a good job of being up the community. I think that the vast majority of people are very satisfied and happy with us,” said Hurley.

“I wanted to have a very professional police department that treats people with dignity, and with respect, and that does its job. [Public Safety] is a tricky job nowadays: some people want severe enforcement done, and other people don’t want so much. So we kind of walk a tightrope. But I think [Belmont] does a very good job of trying to treat people fairly. And that’s the name of the game.”

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.