75° and Sunny
Image
Image capture from Westwood Media Center broadcast, Select Board - July 17, 2026. Following successful contract negotiations, Russell O'Neill will start as Westwood's new chief of police on August 31, 2026.
8-05-2026 12:22pm
Westwood Finalizes Contract with Russell O'Neill as Next Police Chief
Darlene Cancell
Editor
The Town of Westwood has finalized a contract with its next chief of police, and Russell O'Neill will start in his new role on Monday, August 31, said Westwood Deputy Town Administrator Molly Fitzpatrick on Wednesday, August 5.
It was a little over two weeks ago that Westwood Select Board approved the appointment of Brookline Police Department Deputy Superintendent O’Neill to the top position in Westwood Police Department, contingent upon the successful conclusion of contract negotiations. He currently leads Brookline’s Community Service and Training Division.
In a press release, Town Administrator Connor Read said, “Chief O’Neill brings an impressive combination of operational expertise, strategic leadership, and a genuine commitment to public service. We are excited to welcome him to Westwood and look forward to working together with the men and women of the Westwood Police Department to continue the department’s tradition of excellence.”
The press release from the Town of Westwood describes Mr. O’Neill as bringing more than two decades of law enforcement and military leadership experience to Westwood. According to the release, he serves as a battalion commander in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, commanding the 101st Engineer Battalion that is comprised of nearly 700 soldiers. The town lists his police and military experience as including crisis intervention programs, youth engagement, public information operations, emergency response planning, and homeland security operations.
Mr. O’Neill holds a Master of Arts in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police, an executive leadership program for senior law enforcement executives.
Westwood Select Board interviewed three finalists for the position of chief of police in July: Mr. O’Neill, Acting Chief Michael DiLalla, and Duxbury Police Department operations Lieutenant Nick Jamali.
Although Acting Chief DiLalla, the internal candidate, had extensive experience and knowledge of the Town of Westwood and received the highest score in an assessment test administered to the three candidates, Select Board voted 2-1 to appoint Mr. O’Neill.
Following the interviews, Select Board Member Joe Previtera said he found Mr. O’Neill’s deeper experience persuasive. Select Board Clerk Erin Sibley noted her initial preference for an internal candidate, but said Acting Chief DiLalla had not sufficiently acknowledged during in his interview the need to address staff dissatisfaction that was reported in a survey.
In supporting Mr. O’Neill’s candidacy, the two Select Board members cited his current leadership of a large staff, military experience, years of experience, enthusiasm for the position, and knowledge of the town.
Select Board Chair Marianne LeBlanc Cummings had advocated for Acting Chief DiLalla. She had argued for his selection based on what she said was the strength of his candidacy, her perception of improved morale among police department staff under his leadership, and the risk of losing staff if opportunities for internal promotion are not provided.
“On behalf of the Select Board and the residents of Westwood, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Acting Chief Michael DiLalla,” said Chair Cummings. “Acting Chief DiLalla stepped into a challenging role and led with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. His steady leadership ensured a seamless transition, and the Town is deeply appreciative of his service,” she said.
