The Hudson Board of Selectmen selected its Acting Chief during its most recent meeting. “With my pending retirement August 1, 2025, I would respectfully ask the Board of Selectmen to discuss the appointment of an “Acting Chief of Police” effective no later than the end of the business day, July 31, 2025,” retiring Police Chief Tad Dionne wrote in a memo. “This will allow the Board of Selectmen any time necessary to administrate the next Police Chief appointment. It would also cover the time gap to the first Board of Selectmen meeting (August 12, 2025) following my retirement, in the event the Board of Selectmen may have a decision.”
Dionne, who previously said he was recommending Captain David Cayot to replace him, said, “It is imperative the Hudson Police Department has a person in place with the authority to act as the Chief Executive Officer immediately following my departure.This will ensure the administration of normal duties are completed in a timely manner, allow for a successful chain of command for any unusual occurrences or public safety concerns, and have accountability to all agencies necessary,” Dionne wrote. “The Hudson Police Department reports to or works in conjunction with the NH Attorney General’s Office, Police Standards and Training Council, The Hillsborough County Attorney, NH State Police, DCYF, Greater Nashua Mental Health, and a number of state and federal departments.”
Town Administrator Roy Sorenson said he also agreed with Dionne. “We have heard public input on the validity of Mr. Cayot’s candidacy notwithstanding Chief Dionne’s attached memo,” Sorenson wrote. “ As the Town Administrator, I would request that each of you respectively have a formal conversation with Mr. Cayot before the next meeting where we might announce him as the next Chief. I have no reservations on his abilities and/or character and believe that the search for the next Chief begins and ends with him. The period in between meetings should be used to certify my opinion through your own observations, moreover finalize salary and benefits associated with this personnel action.”
Selectman David Morin argued that they should make the appointment as permanent police chief right away, saying he is fully confident in Cayot leading the department. “I’ve worked with Captain Cayot on the street. I know how he does,” Morin said, noting he is always professional. “I think he’s going to do a good job with the department,” Morin said.
Selectman Heidi Jakoby explained that if they were to make him the permanent chief during the meeting that she would have many more questions for him to answer publicly.
Selectmen Vice Chair Bob Guessferd said he was OK with making him chief, but thought it made sense to wait if there are still questions by some members of the Board of Selectmen.
