Select Board appoints local officer and hears detailed police budget, staffing concerns

The Town of Hampden Select Board on March 3 endorsed the police chief’s recommendation to appoint Andrew Poyen to a full‑time police officer position and reviewed the police department’s proposed FY26 budget, which the chief said includes increases driven by contract obligations, cruiser maintenance and career incentive payments.

The appointment follows interviews and a background check; the chief told the board that Poyen, who lives in town, is currently a corporal at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and has completed required certifications and training. The appointment is contingent on a scheduled psychological exam, the chief said. The board voted to approve the appointment; the appointee and department paused briefly afterward for a photograph.

Board members spent the bulk of the meeting reviewing the department’s advisory sheet and budget…