For DPW's Gallagher, Westwood is a Place to Call Home

This is part of an ongoing series profiling the new team at the Westwood Department of Public Works.

Westwood is more than just a place to work for Chris Gallagher.

Gallagher, Deputy Director for the Westwood Department of Public Works, actually grew up in town, and even attended Westwood High School.

Just recently, Gallagher, 29 was promoted to the DPW's Deputy Director from the previous title of Assistant Director.

But Gallagher's roots stretch deeper than just his duties at the DPW. During his tenure at Westwood High, Gallagher played on the football and swim teams, and also competed in track and field.

Gallagher carried his sports enthusiasm into his college years. He competed on the swim team for four years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in mechanical engineering.

While at WPI, he was also a member of the Beta Si fraternity, and is still an active member of the alumni association.

In 2002, Gallagher began an internship for Westwood's Engineering Department, and became a full-time employee in 2004.

This summer, the Westwood DPW has had a makeover of sorts, having welcomed new DPW Director Vicki Vickrey, and Town Engineer Jeff Bina. Unlike Gallagher, both Vickrey and Bina are new to Westwood this year - Bina moved over after having worked for years in Weymouth, while Vickrey moved all the way from the west coast. 

But regardless of previous experience, the three are happy to be working together and are committed to maintaing Westwood's borders.

"Our main function right now is creating and keeping up to date a fleet of facilities and maintenance programs," said Gallagher.

The DPW, he added, is also looking to act in a more "green" fashion by purchasing new energy efficient vehicles for the town.

"As we purchase new vehicles we'll make sure they are energy efficient," Gallagher said.

Some of the new vehicles will eventually include light duty pickups and SUVs that are energy efficient, as well as hybrids as a step towards making Westwood a more environmentally-aware community.

In his spare time, Gallagher remains athletically active, and as recently as last weekend participated in a triathlon in Gilford, New Hampshire by Lake Winnipesaukee.

At the end of it, Gallagher is happy to be an employee in the town he knows so well.

"It's been a great opportunity," he said. "It's a nice community, a nice staff, and a knowledgeable staff. It's a great learning experience for me. If there's questions about anything, they know how to get an answer."