Weymouth Welcomes New Police Chief

WEYMOUTH, MA — Weymouth is welcoming a new police chief. Former Police Capt. Richard M. Fuller Jr. has been promoted to chief. He is taking the place of former Police Chief Richard C. Grimes after his retirement at the age of 65.

City officials say that Fuller has been a member of Weymouth police for more than 24 years. He has been police captain since 2012.

"Captain Fuller's commitment to serving Weymouth and ensuring the Department's efficiency and effectiveness, while also upholding the morale of the Department in his role, has made him a valuable asset and leader within the Weymouth Police Department," said Mayor Robert Hedlund in a statement. "I believe those skills and his vast experience will enable him to seamlessly transition into the role as Chief."

Fuller is a lifelong resident of Weymouth. According to city officials, he dedicated his whole career to serving on the Weymouth Police Department.

Since becoming captain, he served as the head of the Investigative Services Division, which is oversees detectives, professional standards and internal affairs. The division also encompasses the narcotics unit, the firearms and licensing unit, the evidence and property unit, social media and public relations.

Fuller holds a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts, in addition to multiple certifications and training experience. He has completed the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Trilogy, which consists of Supervisory, Command and Executive Leadership courses. He also has attended the prestigious Police Chief and Command Leadership Academy at Endicott College.

"I have always believed that one of the primary responsibilities of the Chief of Police is to identify and build future leaders, beginning within our patrol division, right up through our command staff," said Grimes. "The Weymouth Police Department is blessed with extraordinarily strong women and men who are willing to take on the challenges of today's policing. It is the job of the Chief to ensure that their troops have the best tools, training, and confidence to carry out their duties, knowing they have both the respect and support of the Office of the Chief of Police."

Grimes said that it is that philosophy that enables him to support the mayor's decision to appoint Fuller as chief.

Grimes retired after reaching the age of 65 — the Civil Service Law requires police chiefs to retire at that age, city officials say.

Three police captains competed to take Grimes' place before Fuller was chosen.

"I am extremely grateful to Chief Grimes for his work and years of service to the Town," said Hedlund.