Waltham Appoints Kevin O'Connell To Lead Police Department

WALTHAM, MA — Kevin O’Connell will be sworn in as Waltham police chief at City Hall Monday evening. O’Connell has been acting police chief for the past four months.

O'Connell is replacing Police Chief Keith MacPherson, 64, who retired unexpectedly in February after seven years as chief and 41 with the Waltham Police Department.

The appointment for chief of police in Waltham is lifelong, provided "good behavior or until such person is removed by the mayor for just cause, resigns or is retired under applicable provisions of the law," according to city ordinance.

O'Connell has been with the Waltham Police Department for the past 27 years. He's worked as head of the police patrol division and then became deputy chief in 2017. He was appointed acting chief in February and took over leading the investigation into the case of the Waltham Clocker.

Previously: Waltham Attacks: Man Charged, 'Reign Of Terror' Over

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or Waltham@Patch.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.