Daniel Dorgan is officially Police Chief

By Beth David, Editor

Daniel M. Dorgan officially became Fairhaven’s Police Chief at a Change of Command ceremony held in the town hall auditorium on Saturday, 8/10/24, the official last day of Michael Myers’s tenure as police chief.

Approximately 100 people plus about 15 officers in uniform, and retired police officers attended the ceremony which included the oath of office administered by Acting Town Clerk, Elisabeth Horan; and the literal passing of the police flag from the outgoing chief to the new chief.

In his remarks, Chief Dorgan said that transparency and accountability will be cornerstones of his tenure.

“Building trust between the department and the community requires that we listen, learn, and adapt,” said Chief Dorgan. 

He said he did not take the responsibility lightly, “acknowledging that with this role comes a duty to ensure the safety and quality of life for all citizens, visitors of the town, and every officer of the department.”

He said he was committed to honoring the past while advancing his plan and vision for the future of the department.

Chief Dorgan said the department stands at a pivotal juncture, with large change coming.

“But with these challenges come opportunities,” he said, to strengthen the department’s relationship with the community and innovate the approach to policing, while making sure all officers have the support and resources they need to excel.

“We must engage in open dialogues, address concerns with integrity, and work collaboratively to ensure that our actions align with the department’s reimagined core values of service, teamwork, leadership, accountability, integrity, and pride in our department and our community,” said Chief Dorgan. 

He stressed that officers are the department’s greatest asset and pledged to foster an environment where every officer feels “valued and empowered.”

“I envision a department where every officer is given the same opportunities to grow professionally and personally, and comes to work every day knowing they are a valued member of the department and partner in the community,” he said, adding they will embrace technology, making sure the tools are used responsibly and ethically. “At the same time we will not lose sight of the true driving force of policing, the human element.”

Chief Dorgan said officers will foster true partnerships with citizens to solve community problems. 

“Our commitment to effective policing will be matched by our dedication to safeguarding civil liberties and human rights,” he said.

He asked for the support of the community, “as we embark on this journey together.”

“By working hand-in-hand, we will not only overcome any obstacles before us but also seize the opportu­nities to make a lasting, positive impact on our community,” said Chief Dorgan. “I am honored to serve as your Chief of Police and look forward to the work we will accomplish together.”

Chief Dorgan thanked town officials, the citizens of Fairhaven, and mem­bers of the department for joining the ceremony.

Retiring Chief Myers, who worked in the department for 32 years, with 15 as chief, started by saying it was a “great day.” He thanked all the town officials he worked with over the years, including previous Select Boards, school superintendents, other town officials, and state politicians. 

He said he had the pleasure of watch­ing Mr. Dorgan grow through­out his entire career, and has worked closely with him the last year preparing him for the Chief’s role.

Mr. Dorgan never backed down from a challenge and went above and to learn all he could to prepare himself for the position.

“He asked all the questions he needed to have himself ready for this day,” said Mr. Myers, and thanked Mr. Dorgan for supporting him during the last year.

Mr. Dorgan had two goals, as the Captain and trying to learn the Chief position at the same time, while also learning the command staff.

“Because of that I think he’ll be well prepared to lead this department going forward,” said Mr. Myers. 

Select Board chairperson Stasia Powers said she was happy to thank Chief Myers and welcome Chief Dorgan. She said it had been a pleasure working with Chief Myers, and thanked him for leading the depart­ment through some difficult times. 

“We are so proud of your many achievements,” said Ms. Powers, and specifically mentioned some, includ­ing the full accreditation of the department and working with the school department. “All of these initiatives bring such value to our community.”

She said he has always been a “calming presence” in the department and the community, a “thoughtful leader,” and a strong advocate for the department. 

“We wish you many years of happiness and fun,” said Ms. Powers.

To the new chief, she said she knew it was a proud moment for him and his family and told him to “soak it all in. It’s a big day.”

“We look forward to seeing your vision of the future of the department come to life as you start your journey as chief,” said Ms. Powers, adding that there will be many challenges ahead, but they will be there to support him and celebrate his successes.

“We are confident that the depart­ment is in good hands as we look forward to working with you for many years to come,” said Ms. Powers.

Town Administrator Angie Lopes Ellison, who made the appointment, that got challenged by another candi­date, causing a bit of controversy over the choice, said she was proud to be able to call Mr. Dorgan “chief.”

She first had kind words for outgoing Chief Myers, saying he showed her “every nook and cranny” of Fairhaven when she first became TA. She thanked him for his advice, leadership, and direction of the department. She said he did incredible work staying out of the fray. At no point did he stray, he kept it “solid.”

To Chief Dorgan, she said it was a hard process to get there, but he persevered.

“You stood fast, again, above the fray. At no point during all of this turmoil at any time, did you allow any of the dynamic play out,” said Ms. Ellison, adding he became the leader that she, the Select Board and the town “knows you are.”

He will do an “incredible job,” she said with, “Your vision, your compas­sion  your care for this town, as well as your ability to lead in a quiet, but strong, determined vision.” 

Ms. Ellison said the make-up of the department, with many members present, is a combination of Mr. Myers and Mr. Dorgan. 

“Chief Myers brought it to the front, and you’re gong to bring it to the future,” she said. “So congratula­tions to both of you.”

Before the ceremony began Mr. Myers said he felt good about retirement.

“I’m leaving the department in a good place,” said the outgoing chief. 

He said he would enjoy a period of transition, then do what retired people do: travel a little, relax, saying at first he needed to “decompress” after such a stressful job.

“I need to rest my brain,” he said.

Before the ceremony, Mr. Dorgan said he felt good and was, “excited and ready for what comes next, the next steps.”

He said he planned to enjoy the day, “take it all in, and then get to work.”

“I have no words right now,” said Chief Dorgan’s wife Arianne Walker Dorgan, after the ceremony. “It’s been overwhelming, a long journey. But I can’t be more proud of how he handled it.”

She said she was looking forward to what he will do in the department.

“I know he will succeed with whatever he does,” she said. 

The entire ceremony will be available at fairhaventv.com and the Fairhaven TV YouTube channel. 

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Click here to download the 08-15-24 issue: 08-15-24 ChangeOfCmd
Click here to download the Planning Board OML Complaints by Wayne Hayward: PB_OML_Hayward

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