The town of Hudson has a new Police Chief, following a vote during the most recent Hudson Board of Selectmen meeting.
The vacancy came after the retirement of longtime Police Chief Tad Dionne, who retired effective the end of July.
Dionne publicly recommended Hudson Police Captain David Cayot to fill the role as Police Chief, who had been serving as the acting chief since Dionne retired.
Cayot also earned the recommendation of Town Administrator Roy Sorenson.
“We have heard public input on the validity of Mr. Cayot’s candidacy notwithstanding Chief Dionne’s attached memo,” Sorenson wrote in a memo ahead of the July 22 meeting. “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.”
At the Aug. 12 meeting, Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Bob Guessferd made clear that every member of the Board of Selectmen had the chance to meet with Cayot.
“We’ve taken the time, the due diligence, to interview him, to talk to him,” he said.
Board of Selectmen Chair Dillon Dumont said the process began about two months ago when they learned that Dionne would be retiring.
“It is more than evident that you have earned the respect of your fellow officers, this board, the town administrator, and the community,” Dumont said during the meeting.
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to name Cayot Police Chief effective immediately.
Cayot said he appreciated the support he has received from the Board.
“I also appreciate the support I have received from the men and women of the Hudson Police Department,” he said.
He explained that he began with the Hudson Police Department on July 1, 2002.
“I actually came straight out of college,” Cayot said.
He explained that he studied chemistry at UNH, but said after graduating right after 9/11, he decided he wanted to become a police officer.
“I kind of had a calling that wasn’t to go work in a chemistry lab at that point,” Cayot said.
He explained that he has worked through every division of the police department and has worked closely with Dionne over the years.
Cayot said he has been married for 21 years, has two sons, one in high school and one soon starting at UNH.
