Town Manager Considering Ferguson, Trask as Next Police Chief

A political who's who of Framingham attended a reception for outgoing Framingham Police Chief Steven Carl Tuesday night in the Memorial Building.

Carl, 54, is leaving Framingham to become the director of public safety and chief of police at Assumption College. 

Carl, who began his career as a Framingham patrolman in 1983, was named chief in 2001. Carl is scheduled to start his new post on Oct. 2.

After the reception, Town Manager Bob Halpin informed Framingham Selectmen that he spent a considerable amount of time this week with Framingham Deputy Police Chiefs Ken Ferguson and Steve Trask "seeking their insight into the police department, as well as discussing their interest in being considering for the appointment as Framingham's next chief."

He said he went on a tour of the town with the two deputy chiefs and it confirmed his belief that Framingham has "two strong leaders within the department who could serve very ably as the next chief of police."

Halpin told Selectmen he asked the Town's Human Resource Director to prepare an assignment and assessment tool to give to both Ferguson and Trask.

"I will say at this point that Framingham is fortunate to have two very talented deputies within the Department and I feel each has the leadership and vision to be the Chief of Police," said Halpin.

Framingham has three deputy police chiefs. Deputy Chief Craig Davis announced earlier this month he would be leaving Framingham to become neighboring Ashland's next police chief.

Halpin told Selectmen after he sees the results of the assignment and assessment, he would know if he plans to hire from within or appoint an acting police and begin a search process. He said he would have an update to Selectmen next Tuesday.

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Thanks to Kevin Cummings of Cummings Photography in Framingham for the photo slide show from the Tuesday night reception.