With his sparkling white hat, spit-shined black shoes, and shiny silver badge polished to a mirror finish, 24-year police veteran Patrolman William Costello is gearing up for the busiest phase of his new assignment as Norwood’s second-ever full-time safety officer.
Appointed two months prior by Police Chief James F. Curran, the 53-year-old officer succeeds his lifelong friend, the late Patrolman Francis “Pat” Walsh, who passed away earlier in the year.
“There might be a lot of guys better qualified for this job than me,” Costello said with characteristic humility, “But I’m going to give it my best shot, believe me.” Chief Curran expressed full confidence in the appointment, noting, “He’ll do just as good a job as the late Frank Walsh. Like Frank, Officer Costello is dedicated to police work and dedicated to his community.” Bill and Pat Costello shared a lifelong bond: they grew up together, played sports together, graduated together, served in the Marine Corps together, and eventually joined the Norwood Police Department.
Costello credits his wife with encouraging him to pursue the role: “She’s really the one who suggested it and I’ll tell you, I’m glad she did. I’m looking forward to the challenge.” The couple raised three sons in Norwood—William Costello III, Stephen, and Michael—and proudly boast a granddaughter, Caitlin.
As the academic year approaches, Costello’s primary focus will shift to visiting Norwood schools to conduct age-appropriate safety programs covering pedestrian, bicycle, street crossing, and sidewalk safety. Drawing on nearly a quarter-century as a “street cop,” Costello aims to instill caution in impressionable young students to prevent tragic accidents. In addition to educational outreach, Costello will work to curb school property vandalism by helping students understand that repair costs ultimately impact their parents through local taxes. Beyond the schools, his municipal duties encompass town-wide safety implementations, including traffic control, street sign placement, and survey work.
(Reporting by J. Michael McGorty, The Patriot Ledger).
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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