Holmes sworn in as West Newbury's first woman police chief

By Jennifer Solis
Correspondent

March 26, 2008 07:28 am

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WEST NEWBURY — Calling it a "proud day for West Newbury," Selectmen Chairman Glenn Kemper opened Monday's swearing-in ceremony for the town's first female police chief, Lisa Holmes.

The late afternoon event, held in the first-floor hearing room of the 1910 Building, was attended by members of the Police and Fire departments, public safety officials from neighboring towns and the new chief's family and friends — all on hand to observe the historic moment.

Fewer than 2 percent of police departments statewide are run by women.

The ceremony began with Holmes, Kemper and Selectmen Dick Cushing and John McGrath signing a recently negotiated three-year contract. Then Town Clerk Larry Murphy asked Holmes to raise her right hand and declare her oath of office aloud.

"This is one of the best things we've done in our short tenure here, and I'm proud I could be part of it," said Kemper following the swearing-in.

Holmes said she looked forward to continuing to collaborate with her officers on several projects they have been working to implement since she was appointed acting chief last September.

Former police Chief John Dennis took early retirement at that time and is now chief of police in South Hampton. In December, selectmen unanimously agreed to hire Holmes for the full-time position pending successful contract negotiations.

At that time, she identified better communication with the community and a more effective working relationship with other town departments as two key goals.

"I've appreciated everyone's cooperation — the selectmen and the community as well," Holmes said on Monday.

Last November Holmes filed a lawsuit against Dennis and David L'Esperance, a former member of the West Newbury department who is now police chief in Salisbury, which leveled charges of discrimination and harassment. The Board of Selectmen was also named because Holmes alleged that it failed to investigate her complaints. According to the lawsuit, Holmes sought $2,500 in lost wages because she was not promoted to lieutenant and more than $18,000 in legal fees.

When asked about the status of the lawsuit following Monday's ceremony, Kemper said he was "not at liberty to get into particulars, but I can say that it has been resolved in the best interest of the town, and I am very happy it is behind us."

According to her new contract, Holmes will be paid $104,765.40 annually which equals 1.5 times the patrolmen's base hourly rate based on a 40-hour week. She also receives all benefits that are provided to West Newbury police officers in their collective bargaining agreement.

The town agrees to pay the chief for professional development and any associated travel costs and expenses and provide her with a vehicle to conduct the town's law enforcement business.

The contract stipulates that should selectmen choose not to reappoint Holmes after the three years, they must support their decision with documentation of cause and pay her six months severance pay in a lump sum. Holmes agrees to give the town 60 days notice should she decide to resign before the contract expires.

Holmes began as a reserve officer for the town in 1983. She was promoted to sergeant in 1991. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice and earned a law degree in 1990, passing the bar exam in 2000.

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