New deputy police chief, interim fire chief named

Earlier this week, the Canton Select Board approved the appointment of Michael Gifford Cruz as the Canton Police Department’s new deputy chief of administration. Canton Police Chief Michael Daniels said the appointment is part of an administrative restructuring to strengthen internal operations and communication, improve accountability, and ensure consistent service delivery to the community.

Gifford Cruz has a background in law enforcement and previously served under Daniels with the Oxford PD. A military veteran, he oversaw the training and development of approximately 350 personnel aboard the USS Gonzalez, a guided missile destroyer. Daniels said he brings experience in law enforcement supervision and management, including operations, training, and organizational oversight.

As deputy chief, Gifford Cruz will be responsible for administrative functions, including accreditation, policy and compliance, internal affairs oversight, records management, and training coordination.

Also at Tuesday night’s meeting, in preparation for the impending retirements of Fire Chief Wendell Robery and Town Administrator Charles Doody, the Select Board voted to appoint Canton Deputy Fire Chief Ed Freitas as interim fire chief and Assistant Town Administrator Jen Kemalian as interim town administrator.

Robery is set to retire tomorrow, April 3, and the public is invited to stop by Canton Fire headquarters to wish him well during a luncheon event planned for 12-2 p.m.

Doody also announced the two finalists for the fire chief position: Jamie Meier, a current CFD captain, and Jeffrey Ricker, a deputy chief with the Sharon Fire Department. The Select Board plans to interview both finalists at its meeting on Tuesday, April 28.

Doody’s last day, meanwhile, is set for Friday, April 10, and Kemalian will handle all administrator duties until a permanent appointment is announced. Jody Middleton, the town’s human resources director, is working to hire a consultant to help the board advertise the position and narrow down the search. The details and timing of the search will be finalized by the Select Board following Tuesday’s annual town election.

With Canton Finance Director Randy Scollins also recently announcing his retirement plans, the Select Board voted two weeks ago to expand the duties of Town Accountant Allyson Podgurski to become the new finance director effective July 1. As part of the reorganization of the department, the board also voted to establish a new budget analyst position, and on Tuesday they approved a job description for the role while promoting Sue Desjardins from assistant treasurer-collector to treasurer-collector.

In other personnel news …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Apr 2 2026. Filed under News, Police & Fire, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.