The Select Board on Tuesday night unanimously approved the goals presented by Hopkinton’s police and fire chiefs for fiscal year 2026, which begins June 30. It also bid farewell to vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere at her last meeting, which capped 42 years of volunteer service to the town.

Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett appeared before the board to discuss his FY 26 priorities. They included department-wide succession planning, collaboration with town departments and the implementation of a K9 program.

A succession plan benefits the department not only by training current officers for higher-ranking roles but also by ensuring a smooth transition when changes occur, he said. Recent promotions have bolstered the command staff. The recruitment of new officers has helped HPD become almost fully staffed.

The department previously had been hampered by a leadership void during the past few years. Former deputy chief John “Jay” Porter resigned in 2023, three days before he was charged with three counts of child rape that allegedly occurred during his stint as a school resource officer two decades earlier. Porter’s trial begins May 19. Former Sgt. Tim Brennan was terminated in February 2024. He was accused of violating department policy by not reporting the alleged incidents to his superiors, sparking a divisive era in Hopkinton. Promotions Bennett had planned were stalled by the previous Select Board.

Bennett plans to finalize a training progression plan in the fiscal year’s first quarter where officers will receive training above their current rank. Command staff will continue to receive executive-level training and work with other town departments, particularly HFD.

He intends to form “a really well documented plan” so that all officers will know what is expected of them as they rise through the ranks. The chief described training in management and leadership skills as “legacy goals” that will be developed with command staff. Bennett requested that he report on the progress at his midyear review because “it’s more of a team effort.”

Creating a database would track trainings attended and hours spent to demonstrate progress. There is a “pretty solid training budget,” according to the chief.

Bennett said he benefited from working with the town departments since he was a sergeant. He plans to have officers at all levels learn from town staff and “develop skills that they’re not taught at the academy.”

He and Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten have met with HFD Chief Gary Daugherty and new Deputy Fire Chief Scott Jurasek to discuss working jointly on enhancing an active shooter response plan. Bennett also committed to teaching two nonviolent crisis intervention classes a year.

Members told the chief they appreciated his adding timelines to his goals to demonstrate accountability. Amy Ritterbusch said it was good that the HPD and HFD are working “with the same goals in mind,” while LaFreniere called it “an ambitious program.”

Chair Brain Herr asked for clarity for the public, who may question why active shooter training is needed if it’s already in place. Bennett replied that this brings the training “to the next level,” preparing officers and firefighters to create staging areas for medics.

Bennett added that implementing the K9 program can happen “pretty quickly” once a dog is selected.

HFD sets FY 26 goals

Earlier in the meeting, Daugherty articulated the HFD’s goals. His priority is collaborating with the HPD on the active shooter training as well as hosting in-house trainings and hands-on exercises.

A secondary goal is updating the department’s standard operating procedures and integrating them all into a database. While some of them already are available electronically, others are in binders and may be outdated. He plans on updating all 52 emergency management response procedures in six months.

“Policy development is a lot of research on industry best practices,” Daugherty explained.

Member Shahidul Mannan asked if Daugherty could have a peer review process with neighboring towns. Daugherty explained that much of Hopkinton’s policy is tailored to the town’s needs.

Daugherty’s third goal is to work on developing a wellness program for the firefighters. He noted that the job comes with a higher susceptibility to lung cancer, and screenings would be useful. A mental health component also would help due to the intensity of the work.

Board members said they would like to see more time frames for implementation of these goals. Daugherty noted that his success in achieving them may be impacted by budget constraints. He also would have to work with the union to encourage members to engage in the wellness program.

Member Joe Clark called the goals “a step in the right direction.” But he sought timelines and targets for achieving them, even if they were “not like hard deadlines.”

Daugherty said he has approached the Natick Fire Department about hiring its instructors in combat care. They would be able to train some of his staff so that they could train their colleagues, saving money.

Mary Jo LaFreniere checks out some gifts she received at her final Select Board meeting Tuesday. PHOTO/HCAM SCREENSHOT

LaFreniere bids farewell

LaFreniere began the meeting, with Herr ceding the chair’s seat to her in honor of her last meeting on the board. This is the end of LaFreniere’s 42 years of service in Hopkinton, as she chose not to run for reelection.

Town leaders praised her for her dedication to the community, noting her particular commitment to the Marathon Committee and to older residents.

“I could not miss your last day today, Mary Jo,” said former Select Board member Irfan Nasrullah, who decided not to run for reelection in 2024. “I just wanted to take a few moments to say you provided such valuable insight — unique insight — into issues that I had never really considered. You were a true asset to the board, and you are going to be sorely missed.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of serving with you over the course of your different hats in town,” added Town Clerk Connor Degan. “I’ll say it’s been really great to work with someone who has the breadth of municipal experience you have, as well as the perspective that you can bring to the board.”

“It’s not an easy job,” added Herr. “We all know that … and I think you’ve handled it extremely well and always been poised and made a real difference in this town.”

Her colleagues added their thanks and well wishes. She was presented with Boston Marathon-related presents from the board and Marathon Committee chair Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace, including jewelry, a sweatshirt, a cap and T-shirts.

“It’s been a long road,” said an emotional LaFreniere. “I’ve loved every minute of it.”

LaFreniere’s stellar service was blemished by a charge of operating under the influence late last year. Her jury trial will begin on May 22.