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Selectboard backs transition plan as Lieutenant Jamie Blanchard prepares to lead police

Town of Manchester Selectboard · July 7, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The Selectboard discussed the planned transition of Lieutenant Jamie Blanchard to police chief after Chief Owens' retirement Aug. 1, 2026; Murphy said there is no requirement to post the position externally and transition planning is underway.

Town Manager Scott Murphy told the Selectboard that Lieutenant Jamie Blanchard is being prepared to assume the role of police chief when Chief Owens retires. Murphy said the town does not have to post the job externally and that he and Blanchard "have already been meeting about the transition, plans, and goals."

Blanchard thanked Owens for his service and reflected on the mentorship he received: "What an incredible mentor Owens has been," Blanchard said during the meeting. Board members praised Blanchard's qualifications and the board signaled support for an internal transition. Murphy confirmed Owens' retirement date is August 1, 2026.