HANSON - September 9 - The Hanson Select Board approved four police department promotions September 9, implementing a new rank structure that Police Chief Michael Casey described as a "30-plus years" first for the department. The promotions include two new lieutenants and one new sergeant, along with hiring a lateral transfer officer.
The Full Story
Sergeant Elisha Durgin and Sergeant Peter Daley were promoted to lieutenant, effective September 15th. Durgin, an 18-year veteran who joined Hanson in 2013, has served as a sergeant for five and a half years and currently supervises the Sexual Investigator Unit and serves as liaison for the Plymouth County Outreach Program. Daley, hired in 2001, has been a sergeant for 11 years and serves as the senior sergeant, ship supervisor, and head of the breathalyzer program.
"These two new lieutenants are going to bring some fresh and exciting new things to the department," Chief Casey told the board. Both officers completed a Lieutenant Assessment Center through Public Safety Consultants in August and scored at the top of the evaluation.
Officer Robert Mansfield was promoted to sergeant, also effective September 15th. Mansfield, who transferred from Oak Bluffs five and a half years ago, has eight and a half years of police experience and serves as the department's TASER instructor. Chief Casey described him as "a quiet leader" who "guys look up to."
The board also approved hiring Luke Whalen as a patrol officer, pending a physical exam scheduled for Wednesday. Whalen, who recently moved to Hanson, comes as a lateral transfer from Plymouth Police Department where he served for three years.
The reorganization addresses staffing needs created by recent retirements, including former Chief Miksch, and represents what Chief Casey called a long-overdue modernization of the department's rank structure. "This is all about succession planning," said Select Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett, noting the importance of developing leadership within the department.
In other business, the board reopened and finalized the warrant for the October 6, 2025 special town meeting, adding four articles that were submitted before the deadline. The additions include a Board of Health request for $2,000 to supplement advertising costs due to the closure of the Whitman-Hanson Express newspaper, and two stormwater management bylaw amendments submitted by the planning board to ensure MS-4 compliance.
The board made preliminary recommendations on several warrant articles, approving those funded by enterprise accounts or ambulance receipts while deferring action on free cash appropriations until receiving Finance Committee recommendations. Notable articles receiving immediate support included water system improvements and emergency medical services equipment purchases.
Town Administrator Lisa Green reported significant challenges with legal advertising costs following the Express halting operations, with notices now costing roughly $300 in the Enterprise newspaper compared to approximately $100 previously. These increased costs will be passed through to applicants for zoning, planning, and conservation hearings. She did not know if the closure is temporary or permanent.
The board also addressed regional school governance, with FitzGerald-Kemmett reporting progress on a regional agreement amendment requiring two-thirds votes for major financial decisions by the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee. The change aims to address equity concerns given Hanson's minority representation despite paying under the statutory assessment method.
Announcements included details about the upcoming Hanson Day on September 27th at Indian Head School, featuring over 50 vendors and a new Hanson Business Network scavenger hunt designed to connect residents with local businesses.
Why It Matters
The police department reorganization creates a modern command structure that improves supervision and succession planning while maintaining service levels during a period of statewide staffing challenges in law enforcement. The new rank structure provides career advancement opportunities that may help with recruitment and retention.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Promote Sergeants Elisha Durgin and Peter Daley to Lieutenant, effective September 15, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 7:18)
Motion: Promote Officer Robert Mansfield to Sergeant, effective September 15, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 9:02)
Motion: Hire Luke Whalen as Police Officer, contingent on physical exam, effective September 15, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 10:27)
Motion: Reopen October 6, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 18:05)
Motion: Place Articles 24, 26, and 27 on Special Town Meeting warrant. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 20:55)
Motion: Close October 6, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 23:13)
Motion: Approve community requests for Holy Apostle prayer rally, Boy Scout flag retirement ceremony, and Freaky 5K road race. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:09-12:57)
What's Next
Police promotion ceremony will be held September 23rd at Camp Kiwanee with family and friends. MBTA Communities informational forums scheduled for September 11th at 7 p.m., September 29th, and October 2nd at 6 p.m. at Hanson Middle School. Special Town Meeting on October 6th at 6:30 p.m. at Hanson Middle School. Finance Committee recommendations for warrant articles expected by September 23rd Select Board meeting.
Full meeting available via Whitman Hanson Community Access Television.