New Westwood Police Sgt. Promoted, Sworn In

In a special ceremony during the Westwood Board of Selectmen's meeting Monday night, local officials were delighted to promote the 's own Joseph Vinci to the role of sergeant. 

Vinci, who grew up in Westwood, graduated from in 1998. During his time there, he played for the Wolverines football team and was a member of the National Honor Society. 

He later graduated from Dartmouth College before eventually landing at the Westwood Police Department in 2006, when he was assigned to general patrol duties. 

Throughout his career, Vinci received a number of commendations and letters of recommendations, and in 2010 was assigned to train and enter new officers into the department. 

Town Clerk Dottie Powers swore Vinci in Monday night, and the selectment reminisced about when he first came to town.

"It feels like yesterday when we welcomed you to the police force," said Selectmen Third Member Nancy Hyde. "For you to achieve this rank in six years is a testament  to your good work, and I think I isually say, when someone comes on board, you need to be really good to get past the Chief."

Added Selectmen Clerk Pat Ahearn, "We have an open door policy. I know you're going to do an excellent job. It's great to see a Westwood High School grad coming back and giving to the town."

Vinci's brother, Frank Vinci, made a special appearance at Monday night's ceremony, having flown up from Southern Florida, where he works in law enforcement. Sgt. Vinci lives in Westwood with his wife and two sons.