Police Promote Leaders, Honor Special Service

CHATHAM – The police department has a new third-in-command, a new sergeant, and six officers who’ve received accolades for special service. The honors came in a promotional ceremony last Friday.

 A member of the department since 2000, Sarah Harris was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant, taking the position formerly held by Lt. Andrew Goddard, who recently retired. 

 “It’s a lot of institutional knowledge and experience that walked out that door,” Police Chief Michael Anderson told the assembly. “I can only tell you how truly fortunate we are to have the next in line for that position to be equally up to that task,” he said. In her new role on the command staff, Harris will have broad responsibilities over the day-to-day functioning of the department.

 “This was an easy decision. Sgt. Harris is the right officer for this position. She’s been preparing herself for this position throughout her career, and I’ve been a witness to that,” Anderson said. “She has total support from our command staff, and she already commands the respect from the rest of our team,” he said. 

 Filling her former position as sergeant is Christopher Merigan, who is in his 11th year with the department and has served as an officer in charge since 2021. Merigan has had special training in police operations and leadership and holds a degree in criminal justice from Johnson and Wales University. 

 “I’m excited for Chris to expand his role with us as a sergeant,” Anderson said, noting that the position is the most valuable rank in the organization. “I wish you, Chris, the best of luck in your new role,” he said. “This department will provide you with all of the training, support and opportunities for your professional growth and development. Congratulations.”

 Officer Joshua Wisniewski received a Life Saving Award with Commendation Bar for his actions at an incident on Ridgevale Beach on Aug. 10. Police were called to the area and found a 19-year-old man who was unresponsive.

 “Officer Wisniewski called for assistance and immediately began performing CPR and other life-saving actions,” the chief said. “Officer Wisniewski was able to revive the subject and hand the patient over to responding public safety personnel.”

 Wisniewski and Officer Joseph Amara received special recognition for operational excellence following a road rage incident on July 16 that involved a suspect who allegedly brandished a firearm in public. Amara located the subject, and with Wisniewski put the man in custody using sound judgment, proper tactics and the appropriate use of force, Anderson said. They recovered the loaded weapon, “removing a dangerous handgun from our community,” the chief said.

 Officer William Dimitres was also honored for operational excellence for a response on July 5, when he located a vehicle that had been reported stolen from an off-Cape community. Dimitres recovered the vehicle, “and after a foot pursuit, was able to place the operator in custody,” Anderson said. 

 Anderson also offered special recognition to Sgt. William Massey, Officer Elizabeth Thompson and Officer Cassandra Wentzell for organizing the department’s first-ever youth academy this summer, which the chief said was highly successful.