Jeff Malachowski | Metrowest Daily News
HUDSON — A month after Thomas Crippen appealed the Board of Selectmen’s decision to deny his promotion to police lieutenant, Crippen withdrew his appeal after he was one of six officers promoted by selectmen this week.
Selectmen denied Crippen’s promotion in July despite his score of 88 on the Civil Service exam. Selectmen Joseph Durant and Fred Lucy voted in favor of the promotion, while chairman James Vereault and members Christopher Yates and Charles McGourty voted against Crippen’s promotion at the July meeting.
Crippen filed a complaint with the Civil Service Commission, but pulled the complaint after board members promoted him Monday night.
“I have sent a notice to the Civil Service Commission that the petition is being withdrawn,” said Andrew Gambaccini, Crippen’s attorney.
Police Chief David Stephens requested the board promote Crippen and five other officers Monday night. McGourty was the lone member against Crippen’s promotion on Monday.
Sgt. Richard DiPersio, a 13-year veteran of the department, was also promoted to lieutenant. The two will replace retired Lt. David French and Michael Burks, who was recently promoted to captain.
Longtime officer Michael Schreiner, a 32-year veteran of the force, and 12-year officer Peter Lambert were appointed acting sergeants to replace Crippen and DiPersio.
Schreiner and Lambert are among a handful of officers who will take the Civil Service exam next week. Stephens said if Schreiner and Lambert do not score in the top three, it is possible they will not become permanent sergeants.
The two permanent sergeant positions are expected to be filled around the beginning of the calendar year, said Stephens.
Reserve officers since 2008, Matthew Donovan and Joseph Edie were promoted to full-time officers Monday night.
All the officers will be in their new positions as of Friday, said Stephens.
With Stephens’ command staff completed, the chief said overtime costs in the department will drop. Members of the command staff and patrol officers were taking on overtime shifts recently, which drained the officers’ energy and cost the department money.
“It’s a huge benefit for me,” said Stephens. “The department can move forward with everything that needs to get done. That’s huge.”
With several officers taking on more responsibilities, Stephens anticipates it will take the officers a short time to get acclimated to their new positions.
“It is going to be a transition period to get them all acclimated to the positions,” said Stephens. “They’re excited to move up.”
