Board Overrides Civil Service

Ignoring the report of Civil Service on the contention that service as a call fireman has no bearing on police seniority, the Board of Selectmen last night voted to instruct General Manager Francis W. Smith to appoint William E. Lydon, second on the list, as a permanent patrolman.

The Selectmen had received from the General Manager a Civil Service list of eligibles for appointment as permanent patrolmen in Norwood. At the head of this list was James F. Lyden whom Civil Service credited with seniority dating back to 1939, while the Selectmen had not appointed him a permanent intermittent patrolman until 1945.

Notified of the discrepancy, Civil Service quoted the provisions of Chapter 31 and maintained that Lydon was entitled to top seniority because he had been a call fireman since 1939. Smith informed the Selectmen last night that he was unable to follow the Civil Service reasoning in this case and the Board concurred.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)

Officers to Begin Patrols on Bicycles in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-June 3, 1993

Officers to Begin Patrols on Bicycles in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-June 3, 1993

A political turnaround and a tie-breaking vote officially put Norwood Police on wheels. Despite sharp skepticism from some town leaders who joked about “bicycles built for two,” Chief George DiBlasi’s innovative mountain bike patrol was approved to bring a fresh,…

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Norwood Baseball History

Norwood Baseball History

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The Naming of Norwood: A Story with More Questions Than Answers

The Naming of Norwood: A Story with More Questions Than Answers

Where did our wonderful town get its name? The question of how Norwood received its name has intrigued residents for more than 150 years. It is one of those local … Continue reading The Naming of Norwood: A Story with…


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