UPDATED: Framingham Town Manager Names Ken Ferguson as Police Chief

Editor's Note: First posted at 6:35 p.m. as breaking news. Updated with a photos and quotes. 

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An emotional Kenneth Ferguson thanked Framingham Selectmen and Town Manager Bob Halpin for making him the Town of Framingham's sixth police chief.

Ferguson had held the position of Acting Police Chief since former chief Steven Carl left for a position at Assumption College in Worcester.

Ferguson, who joined the department in 1985, was previously one of three deputy police chiefs under Carl, who was present for his appointment and swearing in ceremony Wednesday night at the Memorial Building. 

After Halpin named Ferguson as his choice and Framingham Selectmen unanimously approved the choice, Ferguson's wife Lisa Antonio Ferguson, Framingham's Assistant Town Clerk, administered the oath of office. Afterwards, Christina Antonio and Joseph Ferguson pinned the chief along with retired Framingham Police Lt. Richard Nummela.

"Deputy Chief Ferguson has shown me that he possesses a strong vision for the department that includes strong commitment to leveraging the substantial talent and human resources that exist within our department to add overall effectiveness and efficiency to confronting the broad array of public safety and security challenges that the Framingham Community wants us all to confront. In my interaction with the officers and employees of the department it is clear to me that he enjoys the broad respect and support of those employees," said Halpin in announcing his choice for chief publicly.

Scores of Framingham Police Officers were in attendance to witness Ferguson's appointment and swearing-in ceremony.

"I think this is a simply outstanding selection," said Framingham Selectmen Chair Dennis Giombetti.

Ferguson was introduced to Town Meeting members Wednesday night to a standing ovation.

He told town leaders and Town Meeting members he plans to make Framingham Deputy Chief Steven Trask the department's executive officer and promote Framingham Detective Kevin Slattery and Lt. Ron Brandolini to deputy police chiefs. 

Ferguson said Brian Simoneau will serve as his chief of staff.