Norwood Police Officers Denied Permanent Status-August 25, 1955

On August 25, 1955, four temporary patrolmen of the Norwood Police Department, led by Nicholas Dostito, appeared before the Board of Selectmen to petition for permanent intermittent status. Having served in temporary capacities for over two years, the officers noted that they had repeatedly taken the Civil Service examination for permanent patrolmen every time it was offered.

The officers voiced frustration with the civil service system, explaining that despite achieving top scores on their exams, they were consistently bypassed for permanent appointments due to the statutory preference given to disabled veterans on the eligibility lists. Without a change in their classification, they argued, they could continue taking exams indefinitely without ever securing the permanent positions they sought.

Selectmen Debate and Executive Denial

Selectman Harry B. Butters voiced strong support for the officers’ appeal, pointing out that the men were themselves veterans who may have experienced active service or combat conditions exceeding those of some disabled veterans on the list. Butters moved to appoint the four officers as permanent intermittent patrolmen, but his motion died for lack of a second.

While the officers initially left the open meeting with assurances that the board would review their situation, the selectmen subsequently voted during a closed executive session later that evening to deny the request and maintain the officers on temporary status.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

More Norwood Police Stories

Norwood Police Officers Denied Permanent Status-August 25, 1955

Four temporary Norwood police officers seeking permanent intermittent status were denied by selectmen, despite advocacy from Selectman Harry B. Butters regarding civil service exam hurdles.
Norwood Police Revolver Team Competes in Annual New England Shoot-July 28, 1955

The Norwood selectmen and finance committee funded a four-day trip for the Norwood Police Revolver Team to compete at Camp Curtis Guild in Wakefield.
Ex-Police Chief Dies Driving Car in Norwood-May 14, 1955

Former Police Chief Thomas Lydon Dies Suddenly at 64 Norwood awoke today to the sad news of the sudden passing of Former Police Chief Thomas Lydon, one of the town’s most respected and longest‑serving law‑enforcement figures. Lydon, 64, died at the wheel of his automobile shortly after 1 a.m., apparently the victim of a heart…
Selectmen Vote Commendation for Patrolman William Travers-May 21, 1953

The Norwood Board of Selectmen voted this week to issue a formal letter of commendation to Patrolman William Travers of the Norwood Police Department, recognizing his exemplary performance at a recent South Norwood fire. The commendation was proposed by Selectman Walter J. Dempsey, who moved that the letter be placed in Travers’ permanent file following…
Coyne Named Chief of Norwood Police-This Day in Norwood History-September 21, 1950

Lt Patrick J. Coyne, 54, was named chief of police by the selectmen tonight, to replace Chief Thomas C. Lydon, who will retire Oct. 1. Coyne, who lives at 34 Nichols st, is the father of four children and has been in the Police Department 31 years. He is a veteran of World War I.…
Police Save Dog From Drowning After Plunge Through Ice-This Day in Norwood History-January 6, 1949

Police, Firemen Join Forces To Rescue Struggling German Shepherd At Dunn’s Near exhaustion from struggling in three feet of icy water after he plunged through thin ice while crossing Dunn’s Pond off Nahatan street, a gray and brown German shepherd dog was rescued from drowning by police and firemen on Sunday morning as dozens of…
Alertness of Sgt Floan Led To Arrests In Car Theft Ring-This Day In Norwood History-August 29, 1947

Dedham Man Pleads Guilty To Defacing Automobile Numbers As police continued their investigation of the gang allegedly stealing cars in this area, the fifth man placed under arrest was arraigned in the ‘Dedham District Court Tuesday before Judge Gilbert W. Cox. Nicholas A Guardobascio, 27, of 72 Chester Avenue, Dedham, pleaded guilty to a charge…
New Police & Fire Cars-This Day In Norwood History-August 29, 1947

Shown lined up outside the Municipal Building following their recent delivery. Seated at the wheels of the cars (left to right) ore Sgt. Joseph Flood, Patrolman Valentine Balutis and Fire Chief Alonzo N. Earle. (McLean Photo) Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email……
Parked Couple Flee Masked Bandits At Willett Pond-This Day in Norwood History-June 14, 1946

Shot Shatters Windshield Of Car As Driver Ignores Gunman’s Order A frightening early‑morning encounter at Willett Pond sent a young couple racing to safety yesterday after two masked men attempted to rob them at gunpoint. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. at the beachhead area, a location long known as a gathering spot for…
Sgt. Curran Retires From Police Force-This Day In Norwood History-August 24, 1945

This Day In Norwood History-August 24, 1945-Sgt. Curran Retires From Police Force