Norwood Announces Deputy Chief Chris Padden as its Next Chief of Police

Norwood General Manager Tony Mazzucco, on behalf of the Town of Norwood and the Norwood Police Department, announced on March 12th that Deputy Chief Chris Padden, a 28-year veteran of the Norwood Police Department, has been promoted to the position of Chief of Police, effective May 1, 2024.

Chief Padden has served Norwood as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and most recently as Deputy Police Chief. He graduated from the FBI National Leadership Academy Session 228. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, serving combat duty during Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown as Chief of Police and I look forward to the challenges of this important role and continuing the tradition of excellence that Norwood Police consistently displays," said Deputy Chief Padden. 

Chief of Police William Brooks who will be retiring, stated, "I can think of no better replacement to take the Norwood Police Department into the future than Deputy Chief Padden. I have worked with him for many years and found him to be the smart, hard working, community-focused leader that Norwood has come to expect." 

"I've had the privilege of promoting Deputy Chief Padden from Lieutenant to Deputy Chief and now from Deputy Chief to Chief of Police. The Norwood Police Department is a centerpiece of our community and I am confident that Deputy Chief Padden's leadership will keep it that way and continue to innovate and develop new ways to serve our community in the future," said Mr. Mazzucco.

Deputy Chief Padden will be sworn in as Chief at a ceremony on May 1st in Memorial Hall at Town Hall in Norwood.