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Waterford commissioners appoint Lt. David Ferland as police chief; Chief Balestracci to retire March 27
Summary
The Town of Waterford Board of Police Commissioners unanimously appointed Lieutenant David Ferland as chief of the Waterford Police Department, effective March 27, 2026, contingent on a mutually agreeable contract. The board met in executive session earlier and said no votes occurred during that session.
The Town of Waterford Board of Police Commissioners unanimously appointed Lieutenant David Ferland as the next chief of the Waterford Police Department on March 4, 2026. The appointment takes effect upon Chief Marc Balestracci's retirement on March 27, 2026, and is contingent on an agreeable contract between the Town and Lieutenant Ferland.
The board met in a special session called to order by Commissioner M. Gelinas at 5:00 p.m. in the Police Department Executive Conference Room. Commissioners entered executive session at 5:01 p.m. to include Chief Marc Balestracci and Human Resources Director Christine Walters; the board recorded that no votes or actions were taken during the executive session. The meeting resumed at 6:04 p.m., and the board then voted on the appointment.
The motion to appoint was made by Commissioner T. Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner J. Dimmock; it passed unanimously (Commissioners R. Brule, M. Gelinas, J. Dimmock, C. Gamble and T. Sheridan voting yes). The motion text specified that Lieutenant Ferland's appointment is effective upon Chief Balestracci's retirement on March 27, 2026, and contingent on an agreeable contract between the Town of Waterford and Lieutenant Ferland.
In a written statement issued by the Board of Police Commissioners, the board said it is "pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenant David Ferland as the next Chief of Police for the Waterford Police Department" and praised Chief Balestracci for "steadfast dedication, professionalism, and a deep commitment to public safety." The statement described the board's selection process as comprehensive and in accordance with the Town's approved policy governing selection of a chief, noting evaluation of qualifications, leadership experience and commitment to community policing.
No formal votes or actions were recorded while the board was in executive session. The board adjourned at 6:05 p.m. The appointment remains contingent on finalizing a contract; the minutes do not specify the contract terms.
