Melrose Police Prep For Transition As Longtime Chief Retires

MELROSE, MA — Melrose will have a new police chief later this week following a City Council vote Monday.

Soon-to-be chief Kevin Faller, who has been serving as a police captain in Medford, previously discussed his upcoming role in Melrose, saying he is "truly excited" to serve in the community where he lives.

Retiring Chief Michael Lyle separately thanked family members and colleagues in an open letter Tuesday, calling the police chief job "the honor of a lifetime."

Gathering in a brief special meeting, city councilors approved by a 10-0 vote Mayor Paul Brodeur’s previous nomination of Faller to head the Melrose Police Department.

Faller has logged close to three decades in law enforcement.

Currently a Melrose resident, he grew up in Medford and has worked his entire career with the Medford Police Department.

Lyle is capping a 36-year- career in Melrose that includes 15 years spent as police chief.

Lyle rose up through the ranks of the Melrose Police Department over the years, recalling a particular interaction with then Mayor James Milano when he was first sworn in as a patrol officer.

“I hope I live long enough to see you become chief,” Milano said in a note to Lyle at the time, according to Lyle's recent letter.

"I'm proud to say you did," Lyle said on Tuesday to Milano, who passed away in 2011, four years after Lyle took the job as chief.

Lyle noted changes in policing over the course of his nearly four-decade career through new technology, the COVID-19 pandemic and increased scrutiny following the murder of George Floyd at the hands a Minneapolis police officer.

"It's not enough to merely condemn these acts," Lyle said of Floyd's killing. "Our challenge is to show, every day, that our own actions stand in contrast to the hate and violence we have witnessed."

Lyle then looked to his next chapter, including plans to continue managing the charity Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association golf tournament.

Lyle's pending retirement triggered a lengthy search process in recent months. Brodeur ultimately announced his nomination of Faller in early November.

READ: Melrose Mayor Names Next Police Chief

"Our next chief is lucky to have the opportunity to lead the Melrose Police Department," Lyle said in his letter on Tuesday.

Lyle continued, advising his successor "to embrace the community and support the people of this great department."

"Set goals every day, and see how they are accomplished," Lyle said.

Faller will officially begin his job as Melrose police chief on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Read Lyle's full letter here.