Chief James O’Connor was formally sworn in by Town Clerk Maria Sagarino at Stoneham Town Hall on Oct. 10. At right is District Attorney Marian Ryan. (Photo Courtesy Stoneham Police Department) 
Chief O’Connor is pinned by his father, retired Sgt. James O’Connor of the Watertown Police Department, during the ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Stoneham Police Department) 
Chief O’Connor hugs his father after being pinned at the ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Stoneham Police Department) 
Chief O’Connor stands with members of the department after being sworn in. (Photo Courtesy Stoneham Police Department) 
From left, Chief O’Connor, his daughter Katelyn, wife Danielle, and son James at the ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Stoneham Police Department)
STONEHAM — The Stoneham Police Department and the Town of Stoneham formally welcomed its new police chief with the swearing in of Chief James O’Connor on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Chief O’Connor was sworn in by Town Clerk Maria Sagarino during a ceremony at Town Hall, surrounded by friends, family, former colleagues and teachers, and members of the Stoneham Police and Fire Departments.
Chief O’Connor, in a speech after he was formally sworn in, thanked and recognized former Chief James McIntyre and Interim Police Administrator Michael Lyle for their service, as well as his family for supporting him throughout his journey as a police officer.
He then addressed officers of the department directly.
“Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a police officer. This journey has taken me many places,” said Chief O’Connor. “Stoneham is a vibrant community and a place to be proud of. Thank you to the members of the Stoneham Police Department for welcoming me like a member of the team since day one. I believe in collaboration, and I expect that you treat everyone you encounter with dignity and respect. I look forward to working with you to provide the best service we can to members of this community.”
Chief O’Connor was pinned by his father, retired Sgt. James O’Connor of the Watertown Police Department.
Chief O’Connor has spent the past 25 years working in law enforcement, 15 of which have been in law enforcement command and supervisory leadership roles.
He served on the Watertown Police Department beginning in 2000. He began in Watertown as a patrol officer, and later served as the School Resource Officer at Watertown High School from 2002-2007.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 2007, and to Lieutenant in 2012. As Lieutenant, he served as the Detective Division Commander and Shift Commander of the Patrol Division, and most recently as the Community and Staff Development Division Commander and Police Accreditation Manager.
Chief O’Connor graduated from the 271st Session of the FBI National Academy in 2018.
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