CHESTERFIELD — The town’s new police chief is settling into the job, which he said “offers a new challenge” for him.
Michael Malouin, 51, is an Easthampton resident who also serves as a lieutenant with the UMass Amherst Police Department. He earlier served as a part-time police officer in Southampton and as a correctional officer.
Malouin was sworn in as Chesterfield’s police chief in early January, replacing Jeffrey Fish, who was serving as chief on an interim basis.
“Getting to know the town and my officers is my primary goal right now,” Malouin said.
Asked what the biggest challenge facing him was, Malouin cited working with a limited budget and making sure that the town gets what it needs from the department.
Malouin said that his job as chief is about 16 hours a week, and that he has five officers serving under him in a part-time capacity who are a mixture of young and veteran officers.
“The officers are really good,” Malouin said.
He also said that the community has been welcoming to him.
“Everybody I’ve met has been really great,” he said.
Fish became interim chief in June, a first for the officer, who also serves in the Easthampton Police Department.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity,” he said. “Unfortunately I just couldn’t give the time that the position requires.”
Fish said he was glad to assist the Select Board in making a smooth transition, and he praised Malouin.
“Mike’s going to be a great fit,” Fish said.