Third-Generation Resident and Department Veteran Assumes Leadership While Chief James M. Murphy Attends FBI Academy in Washington, D.C.
Norwood Police Lieutenant James F. Lydon will take command of the 50-member police department this coming Monday as Chief James M. Murphy departs to begin a rigorous three-month training course at the 82nd FBI Academy in Washington, D.C.
Appointed to the post by Town Manager Walter A. Blasenak, Lt. Lydon brings decades of departmental experience to the role, having served as the force’s second-highest ranking officer since 1964.
In an interview, the veteran officer stated his intention to maintain steady administrative continuity, noting, “I plan to run the department as it has been run,” while simultaneously continuing his demanding duties as the department’s prosecuting officer—a role that has kept him tied to offices and county courthouses in recent years.
A third-generation resident of Norwood and a graduate of Norwood High School, Lt. Lydon began his law enforcement career as a foot patrolman in 1945 after serving as a boilermaker in the submarine service during World War II, where he acquired his trademark cigar-smoking habit. Earlier in his career, he served as the department’s safety officer, interacting closely with local schoolchildren, and pursued advanced police administration courses at Northeastern University. Residing at 26 West St. with his wife, Pauline, and their son, Lydon’s family ties to the department extend further through his daughter, who is married to newly appointed patrolman Benjamin J. Grudinskas. While accepting the increased responsibilities with aplomb, Lydon admitted the new role may temporarily cut into weekend boating trips with his family in East Falmouth.
In other town business, the Board of Selectmen called for a meeting next week with Stanley Wysocki of Quincy, owner of Dundulis Lunch Inc. located at 1118 Washington St. in South Norwood. Wysocki was recently found guilty and fined $400 for allowing his premises to be used for illegal gaming and lottery promotion. As the licensing authority for liquor and common victualler permits, selectmen announced plans to review the violations and determine whether to issue a formal reprimand or suspend the establishment’s licenses.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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