Chief Shaun Woods delivers a speech during his swearing-in ceremony on Monday. (Photo Courtesy Tyngsborough Police) 
Chief Shaun Woods stands with Town Manager Colin Loiselle at the Chief’s swearing-in ceremony held Monday, Nov. 18. (Photo Courtesy Tyngsborough Police) 
Chief Woods, gives his daughter Callie, a fist bump at his swearing-in ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Tyngsborough Police) 
Newly sworn-in Tyngsborough Police Chief Shaun Woods stands with members of the Tyngsborough Police Department. (Photo Courtesy Tyngsborough Police) 
Chief Woods gets pinned by his wife, Elizabeth after officially being sworn in as Chief. (Photo Courtesy Tyngsborough Police)
TYNGSBOROUGH — The Tyngsborough Police Department is pleased to announce that Deputy Shaun Woods has officially been sworn in as Chief, following the retirement of Chief Howe.
Chief Woods was sworn in during a ceremony held on Monday, Nov. 18 at Town Hall ahead of the Select Board Meeting.
Chief Woods began his public safety career as a dispatcher and civilian attendant for the City of Lowell in 1999. He also served as a dispatcher in Tyngsborough from 2000 to 2001 before entering the police academy in Lowell. However, when a patrol officer job opened in Tyngsborough, he left Lowell Police Academy to work for Tyngsborough full-time. Chief Woods also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a master’s degree in criminal justice.
Chief Woods has served with the Tyngsborough Police Department for roughly 24 years, and has served in every rank in the department, serving as Sergeant for six years, Lieutenant for seven years, and most recently held the position of Deputy Chief for the past six years. He served as Acting Chief until his official appointment as Chief this month.
Chief Woods’ family, friends and Tyngsborough Police members were in attendance to support him during the ceremony.
During the ceremony, members of the Tyngsborough Select Board and Town Manager Colin Loiselle spoke about how they chose Woods for the position of Chief and how his role within the Town has proved that not only does he exhibit a strong sense of professionalism and dedication, but that he also has a strong character.
“Chief Woods is not just professionally tied to Tyngsborough, he has made this Town his home and a home for his family. He is a dedicated volunteer, coaching far too many youth sports for me to remember, and is active in the Rotary Club and at nearly every Town event or function. [..] He has done every job, every task, and every function within the Tyngsborough Police Department including shoveling, taking out the trash, and much more,” said Town Manager Loiselle. “I am incredibly proud to name Shaun Woods our next Chief of Police and am confident that under his leadership the Tyngsborough Police Department will continue to be the first-class law enforcement agency that this community deserves.”
Chief Woods — who isn’t a fan of being in the spotlight — stood in front of his peers, colleagues, family, and the community to thank them for their support over the years as he moves into his new role as Chief of the town he calls home.
“To Town Manager Loiselle and the Select Board, thank you for placing your trust in me to oversee the safety of our community. That trust is a responsibility I take with the utmost seriousness. Anyone who knows me knows how much this community means to me. As someone who lives here, and who is raising my family here, no one has a greater vested interest in Tyngsborough’s safety and well-being than I do. I promise you I am deeply committed to ensuring that our town remains a safe and welcoming place for all, and I promise to work tirelessly to protect it.
“To my colleagues – the men and women at the Tyngsborough Police Department – sworn and civilian, thank you for your dedication and commitment to OUR agency and to the residents of Tyngsborough. Each of you plays an essential role in providing the best possible service to our community, and your professionalism and hard work absolutely do not go unnoticed by me.
“Now, as your Chief of Police, I am committed to upholding our department’s mission of building trust, fostering partnerships, and addressing the quality-of-life issues that matter most to you. I pledge to listen to your concerns and to lead with professionalism, fairness, and integrity – to ensure that the Tyngsborough Police Department remains a source of pride for our town.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, and I pledge to lead by example and to work harder than ever before to continue to earn that trust each and every day that I serve as your Chief of Police.”
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