Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 8/17/2021
GRANBY – After serving on an interim basis, the Granby Select Board appointed Kevin O’Grady as full-time police chief on Aug 4.
O’Grady is assuming the police chief role from Alan Wishart, who served as chief from 2010 up to his retirement on July1. During O’Grady’s time as interim police chief, Wishart remained to help initiate a seamless transition for the department. “[Wishart] showed me the day-to-day operations and let me run the department. He was awesome about it,” said O’Grady.
For O’Grady, becoming police chief is the culmination of a 25-year career with Granby Police. O’Grady explained he initially aspired to become a police officer in high school, citing a personal desire to help his community as a central focus behind joining the force.
O’Grady has served in numerous roles over the years, which he noted has provided him with knowledge at many levels. He started in 1996 as a member of Granby’s Auxiliary Police Force before working his way to a part-time role in 1998. After a few years, he became a full-time court officer in 2003.
His ascension continued once he became full-time, being named sergeant back in 2008 before being promoted to lieutenant in 2017. He said his spectrum of experiences gives him a firm understanding of the department’s operations. “I’ve been running different shifts and working in every role in the department,” said O’Grady.
In the police chief role, O’Grady said he is looking to keep the department on track with the evolving times. As Massachusetts continues to work on a variety of police reforms, O’Grady plans to instill a steady presence as potential changes arise. “We’re making sure we stay current with training officers and addressing any police reform changes,” said O’Grady.
O’Grady also wants the department to remain a reliable fixture for the Granby community. “It’s important for us to be there for our citizens,” said O’Grady. One of the ways he hopes to accomplish this is through a variety of outreach programs. Whether it’s basketball camps for youths or senior citizen picnics, O’Grady said he hopes to continue these pre-COVID-19 traditions during his tenure.