PHOTOS: Georgetown Police Department Chief David Sedgwick Sworn In

GEORGETOWN — The Georgetown Police Department reports that Chief David Sedgwick was sworn in Thursday afternoon before Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco, the Select Board, and fellow police chiefs from around the region. 

Prior to being appointed to be the new Chief of the Georgetown Police Department following the retirement of Chief Donald Cudmore, Chief Sedgwick served for 30 years with the Rowley Police Department, ending his career there as a Captain. 

Chief Sedgwick served with Rowley Police from 1993 until his appointment in Georgetown. He was promoted to sergeant in Rowley in 2010, and was promoted to captain in Rowley in 2017. 

Chief Sedgwick, in addition to having three decades of local law enforcement experience, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Salem State College, and is working toward a Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia. 

He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, a law enforcement leadership program in Quantico, Virginia, that includes high level professional study of executive leadership, forensics, technology, wellness, physical fitness and community relations. 

Chief Sedgwick spent seven years serving as a negotiator with the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) SWAT Team, and he has advanced crisis negotiation training. 

He received numerous commendations from Rowley Police for lifesaving, and a letter of recognition for successfully negotiating with an armed, suicidal man. He has also been recognized for responding to the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings in Boston and Watertown. 

In a brief speech following his swearing in, Chief Sedgwick thanked retired Chief Cudmore for his guidance and mentorship over the years. 

“I’d like to take a special moment to acknowledge and thank Chief Cudmore, who isn’t present today because he said that he wanted this to be my day, not his,” said Chief Sedgwick. “He’s been a longtime colleague as I came through the ranks in Rowley and since the Georgetown Select Board appointed me, Chief Cudmore has become an invaluable mentor, advisor, resource and friend. I feel fortunate to be on the receiving end of his benevolence, wisdom and experience. He has been a great resource for me as I embark on this new challenge serving all of you.”

Chief Sedgwick also thanked Rowley Police Chief Scott Dumas for his years of mentorship. 

Chief Sedgwick said he loves being a cop, and pledged to work to build morale and keep the department’s focus on the community.

“All of us must focus our attention on the youth of our communities to build and foster trust and respect for our police officers,” Chief Sedgwick said. “We must uplift all our officers back to superhero status, and ensure that the small percentage of bad cops are eliminated.”

“I am certain that the men and women of the Georgetown Police Department will enjoy coming to work. We will work hard, have some laughs; we will support one another and we will be there for each other on our best days and our worst days,” Chief Sedgwick said. “To all the command staff, officers and support staff of the Georgetown Police Department, aside from being a husband and father, I have no higher honor than to serve as your chief of police, and wherever I go I’ll be bragging about you and the dedication you have to this community.”