New Police Chief, Deputy, Others Sworn Inn

HARWICH – July 2 was a day for change of command and transfer of power in the police department. Approximately 100 people came together to say goodbye to Police Chief David Guillemette and to welcome “home-grown” Police Chief Kevin Considine.

The town was trading a beloved police chief in Guillemette, who served in the department for nine years, for a new commander in Considine, a 27-year veteran of the department. Considine was recognized for not only his service in the department but for his civic-minded contributions to this community as well.

Select Board Chair Julie Kavanagh reflected on the past nine years of Guillemette’s command, recognizing his day-in and day-out “commitment to serving and protecting the community of Harwich and leading your department, which you have done with honor, compassion and a wonderful sense of humor. Your dedication to justice and equality did not go unnoticed.”

For the first time in 24 years, the department will be led by a chief who came up through the ranks, said Lt. Aram Goshgarian, who emceed the event.

“Chief Considine, you are deeply embedded in our community,” Kavanagh said. “If you are not busy organizing the Polar Plunge or Special Olympics, you have been a part of our community for so long. We are incredibly lucky to have you as our next chief.”

Town Administrator Joseph Powers praised Guillemette for his “leadership, courage and humility” during his tenure. He related a story about Considine’s command strengths during a triage session among staff during the tornado that struck the community five years ago. Considine demonstrated his command authority and leadership in that situation, Powers said.

Guillemette praised the decision of the select board to appoint Considine as the next chief. He said he always supported the appointment of leadership from within the department, and Considine has had an outstanding career and is well versed in all aspects of the department.

Expressing what he called sage advice, Guillemette said, “relax, you’ve got this. OK, it’s all yours.”

“Congratulations on a well deserved retirement and thank you for your dedicated service,” responded Considine.

“As for the men and women of this department, thank you for the job you do to keep this town safe every day.,” said Considine. “Thank you for the tremendous compassion and dedication to this community. I look forward to working with you and alongside you each and every day.”

The gathering was also a promotion ceremony to fill positions in the chain of command. Lt. Adam Hutton was sworn in as deputy police chief. Hutton is a 26-year veteran of the department who has a master’s degree in public administration from Anna Maria College.

He was appointed lieutenant in 2019, and in that capacity has served in both an administrative capacity, supervising the detective unit, training, policy development, and in operations, supervising four sergeants and overseeing patrol related functions in the department.

Sgt. Amy Walinski was sworn in as a lieutenant. Walinski has served in the department since 2007 and was appointed a sergeant in 2019. She has a master’s degree from Curry College. When promoted to sergeant, she oversaw the hiring process, which involved recruitment, interviews and background investigations. She also served as police academy liaison. Walinski has also taken an active role in outreach involving mental health, domestic violence, veterans affairs and has also served as dispatch supervisor.

Brendan Brickley will fill the sergeant’s opening created by Walinski’s promotion. Brickley joined the department in 2013 and has been involved with a number of policing initiatives. He has taken an active role in mental health outreach in the community, was a field training officer and is currently an officer in charge and member of the Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team. Brickley has a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University.