Search for Braintree Police Chief Brings in Candidates From Across the Country

The retirement in August and the search for his replacement has drawn 22 applicants for the position, including both internal and external candidates.

There are several people within the who have applied, Chief of Staff and Operations Peter Morin said. He declined to give a specific number or identify the applicants. Morin also said that the external candidates come from across the United States, though most are from Massachusetts.

A selection committee will begin meeting soon to examine the applicants, Morin said, with a goal of mid-August to complete the review, but with flexibility built in. Frazier will remain in his post until Aug. 17, two weeks beyond his original date.

"We're not rushing the process," Morin said. "We want to make sure we find the right person. That's key."

Frazier first joined the department in 1980, became chief in 1993 and was re-appointed by Mayor Joseph Sullivan in 2010. Frazier earned the American Legion's “Medal of Valor” early in his career after apprehending an armed felon during a shooting incident. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1987, then Lieutenant three years later, going on to lead the Detective Division and working with the South Shore Drug Task Force.

The selection committee consists of Morin, Town Solicitor Carolyn Murray, Director of Human Resources Karen Shanley, Wellesley Police Chief Terrence Cunningham, Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons and Wayne Sampson, executive director of the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association and former Shrewsbury Police Chief.

Job requirements include a minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience, with five years of administrative or command experience. A bachelor's degree is also a must, with preference for a master's or other advanced degree.

Pay will range from $105,333 to $123,225, though it could be higher, Morin said, if the selected candidate qualifies for a higher education pay bump under the Quinn Bill.