As Shrewsbury PD Promote New Chief, He Tests Coronavirus Positive

SHREWSBURY, MA — The Shrewsbury Police Department promoted Kevin Anderson to the position of police chief and on the same day that he was sworn in, he tested positive for COVID-19.

Anderson is not showing any symptoms and quarantining at home. He told the Shrewsbury Chronicle that he wasn't sure how he contracted the virus but that this was a perfect example of being sure to take extra precautions whenever possible.

Anderson is a 26-year veteran of the Shrewsbury Police Department and most recently held the position of detective lieutenant, detective bureau commanding officer.

Anderson began his career at the Shrewsbury Police Department as a patrolman in 1994 and was quickly promoted to patrol detective in 1997. In his most recent position of Detective Lieutenant, Detective Bureau Commanding Officer, he was second in command to a 64 employee police department in a town with almost 38,000 residents.

“The Board of Selectmen is pleased with the appointment of Kevin Anderson as our next Chief of Police,” stated Beth Casavant, Chair of the Board. “Since joining the department in 1994, Chief Anderson has served in every position from patrolman to lieutenant and brings with him a valuable historical perspective and a deep understanding of modern day policing. During the interview process he provided a one-year strategic plan to outline his goals and priorities for this new role. His extensive training in crisis intervention and understanding the needs of special populations such as those with mental illness, autism, and dementia, coupled with his vision for engaging the community through outreach and improved communication will serve the residents of Shrewsbury well during a time of unprecedented change.”

Anderson will take over as chief immediately.

Anderson said, “I have been employed by the Town of Shrewsbury for over 25 years and I am proud to have spent more than half of my life serving the citizens of Shrewsbury alongside the finest group of law enforcement professionals. I am very excited to serve the Town of Shrewsbury as the Chief of Police.”

Anderson graduated from Western New England University with a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice Administration and has also completed many courses from the Municipal Police Institute, Roger Williams University, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Anderson was awarded the Trilogy Award in 2017 from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

Anderson lives in Holden with his partner Sarah Cardullo, his daughter Ava Anderson, who will be attending Villanova University in Pennsylvania the fall, and his daughter Jaqueline Anderson who is a senior at Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science in Worcester. Anderson’s son Duncan Clark is an Army Staff Sergeant/ Paratrooper Intelligence Analyst stationed in fort Belvoir Virginia.