Crime & Safety
Selectmen Opt to Reappoint Police Chief to New 3-Year Term
James Hicks' salary in first year of the contract will be $173K.
After giving Police Chief James Hicks high praise in his three years on the job, Natick's Board of Selectmen on Jan. 6 unanimously voted his reappointment to the position.
"The town has been well served by the chief," Selectman Charles Hughes said.
The Board approved Hicks' contract on Dec. 16, which calls for a salary of $173,000 in the first year of the three-year deal.
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"I look forward to continuing to work with the chief," Vice Chair Joshua Ostroff said.
Hicks came under fire recently for stalling the promotion of Sgt. Mark St. Hilair to the position of lieutenant.According to Hicks, just one of four candidates passed the civil service test from 2011 and he wasn't comfortable choosing from a pool of one, saying the leadership position "should be chosen in a competitive manner."
Find out what's happening in Natickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Selectman Nick Mabardy, the town's former police chief, criticized Hicks, saying his stance was unfair to St. Hilaire.
A provisional lieutenant will have to serve until the Board creates a short list with a sufficient number of candidates.
Hicks' term commences March 28 of this year and ends March 27, 2017.
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