Local Department Head Meets with Governor Francis W. Sargent to Discuss State Post as One of 15 Candidates

An aide to Governor Francis W. Sargent acknowledged today that Norwood Police Chief James M. Murphy is under active consideration to become the next Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Safety.
Chief Murphy was formally introduced to the governor yesterday by Representative Alan P. Danovitch (R-Norwood) during the chief executive’s regular Wednesday afternoon open house for legislators.
Speaking with The Patriot Ledger, Chief Murphy confirmed that he spent roughly 15 minutes discussing the potential appointment with Gov. Sargent and admitted that he is deeply “interested” in the statewide post.
According to a special assistant to the governor, Chief Murphy is one of approximately 15 candidates being vetted to succeed retiring Commissioner Leo L. Laughlin, whose term is set to expire at the end of August. The governor’s office indicated that an official announcement and appointment are expected to be finalized around the time Commissioner Laughlin’s term concludes.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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John Carroll Appoints Three New Patrolmen to Fill Police Department Vacancies-September 12, 1979
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Detective Sergeant Arthur Groh Honored for His Dedication to Norwood-August 30, 1979
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