McGowen retired as Dover Police Chief in 2023

By Scott Calzolaio

A new interim police chief was appointed by the Upton Select Board after the departure of Chief Michael Bradley in early August. 

Retired Dover Police Chief Peter McGowen was appointed during the board meeting on Aug. 6. 

McGowen comes with 30 years of small-town police experience. Starting as a patrolman, his 30-year career led him to the chief position in Dover from which he retired in 2023.

The selection process was fed through the Select Board, and led by Bradley, Town Administrator Joseph Laydon, and others.

“He was the clear candidate that we thought would be the best fit for our department and lead us through this process,” Laydon said during the Aug. 6 Select Board meeting.

The interim position will be held until the hiring process is complete for a permanent replacement for Bradley. 

The hiring process to obtain a new, permanent police chief in town is known to be a time-consuming undertaking. Laydon said the community can expect to be introduced to candidates in a few months. A new chief will likely be selected within five months or so, he said.

McGowen said he’s happy to take some time to help other towns before he really settles into his retirement, and that he believes he’ll be a good fit here for the interim.

“Chief Bradley and I have similar philosophies and styles, and I’ve worked in small departments my whole career,” McGowen said at the Select Board meeting. “I’ll hold the place together until the next guy comes,” he laughed.

Now-retired Chief Bradley worked for the Upton Police Department for 30 years, becoming chief in 2008. He retired on Aug. 16 to become the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.