Westfield police report two officers shot at during pursuit; department begins hiring from newly approved list

Two Westfield Police Department officers were shot at during a pursuit in August, Chief Sean Keane told the Board of Public Works and Safety on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Keane said no further details about injuries were provided at the meeting.

Keane said the department received “very impressive” support from multiple outside agencies and the Westfield Fire Department during the incident. “I just want to take just a second to thank, you know, all the agencies that assisted us with that as well as our own fire department,” Keane said.

Keane also updated the board on staffing. He said the merit board has completed a hiring list and the department has called the first five names on that list, which include lateral hires and one new applicant who will attend the police academy. Keane said those hires are expected to fill positions left by retirements, including the recently approved retirement of Officer Angie Martin after 27 years of service.

The board approved a resolution declaring Martin retired in accordance with the department general orders. Keane said the hiring progress should allow the department to fill vacancies by late fall and that a promotional testing process is underway.

Keane drew the board’s attention to the monthly crime reports and said that, aside from the shooting incident, the department recorded a significant year‑over‑year decrease in reported crimes for August. He did not provide further statistical breakdowns during his remarks at the meeting.

The board offered unanimous approval to the retirement resolution and acknowledged the staffing update. Keane said the department will return with further updates as hires are onboarded and promotional processes conclude.