Uxbridge chief offers thanks before heading to Westborough

UXBRIDGE — Police Chief Jeffrey A. Lourie Thursday bid a fond farewell to the police force and community he’s served for the past four years.

Lourie, Uxbridge’s chief since 2013, has taken on his new role as chief of police in Westborough. Lourie started his new job in Westborough Friday, but not before offering a few words about his time in Uxbridge.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to reflect and thank all those that made my time here, as the caretaker of the Uxbridge Police Department, so memorable and rewarding,” Lourie said Thursday, his last day on the job in Uxbridge.

“I would like to acknowledge my fellow department heads, elected officials, town employees, volunteers, citizens and the business community for their overwhelming support,” he said. “Whether it was a community policing initiative, collaboration to assist those in need or a community event, the town’s support was nothing short of amazing.”

“I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment TO REFLECT AND THANK ALL THOSE THAT MADE MY TIME HERE, AS THE CARETAKER OF THE UXBRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT, SO MEMORABLE AND REWARDING.” — Former Uxbridge Police Chief Jeffrey A. Lourie, above, on his last day on the job

Lourie said it was a privilege to work alongside the men and women of the Uxbridge Police Department.

“I want to thank them for their dedication to duty, professionalism and hard work these past four years,” he said. “I will look back on my time here in Uxbridge with great fondness and pride knowing I served with some of the most professional law enforcement personnel in the Commonwealth. I wish them continued success as they continue to work tirelessly to serve their community.”

Lourie, 52, submitted his resignation letter to acting Town Manager David Colton earlier this month.

Lourie says he accepted the new position because Westborough is closer to his hometown of Shrewsbury. He succeeds Westborough Police Chief Alan Gordon, who retired Jan. 31.

Lourie served as a detective lieutenant in Auburn before being appointed as Uxbridge’s chief of police. When Lourie was appointed to the $132,000 a year Uxbridge job in 2013, it was the first time in the history of the department that someone from outside the department had been chosen as chief.

Lourie is widely credited with bolstering the department’s community policing program, expanding the department’s presence on social media and bringing in the department’s first K9.

Lourie says he is looking forward to his new role as Westborough police chief.

“It truly is an honor to have been given the opportunity to be the caretaker of such a professional agency,” he said. “I look forward to leading and working alongside the sworn and civilian staff.”

Lourie said that like Uxbridge, his mission in Westborough will be to provide the very best in public safety services to the community.

“I look forward to connecting with the community and ensuring we provide a public safety service that is second to none.” he said. “I’m excited to get to work and look forward to meeting the community and developing programs and initiatives to enhance the quality of life in town.”

Uxbridge Fire Chief William Kessler called Lourie his “public safety partner in blue,” saying he will be missed by both the police and fire departments in Uxbridge.

“Watching his passion for service pour out in his interview with the Westborough Board of Selectmen, I realized how lucky I was to work with him and how he raised the bar for all of us,” Kessler said. “Westboro is getting a great leader who will be able to shine even more than he did in Uxbridge. Now it’s up to us to make him proud of the impact he made to our community by living up to his example.”

Former Selectman Harry Romasco said Lourie left Uxbridge better than he found it.

“That the true mark of a professional,” he said. “I appreciate his friendship as well. Westborough is fortunate to have him as their new chief.”