The Town of Acton is pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Police Chief James Cogan as Interim Police Chief of the Acton Police Department.

Chief Richard Burrows will be retiring on Dec. 28 after 36 years of distinguished service in law enforcement. Deputy Cogan's appointment will take effect that day. 

Town Manager John Mangiaratti has begun the recruitment process for the next permanent Police Chief.

Cogan started with the Acton Police Department in 1984 as a Patrol Officer, where he was a first responder to calls for service in the community and exercised crime prevention methods.

In 1988, Cogan was assigned to the position of Youth Officer. He attended D.A.R.E Officer training and began a D.A.R.E. program in the Acton Public Schools. He taught in the schools for several years until he was promoted to Sergeant in 1993. 

In 2012, Cogan was promoted to Lieutenant, where he was involved in the daily management of personnel and administrative functions to ensure the efficacy of the Special Services Division.

Cogan was promoted again in 2017, to Deputy Police Chief. He is involved with writing and managing several grants, emergency planning, training oversite, and assisting with budget preparation and maintenance.

Cogan received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degrees from Western New England College. In 2016, Cogan graduated from the FBI National Academy. He has also attended numerous professional trainings such as Domestic Violence Advocate training.

"I am very grateful for being chosen by Town Manager John Mangiaratti to take on the role of Interim Police Chief. I look forward to working together with the professional and talented men and women of the Acton Police Department," Cogan said. "I am committed to transparency and accountability and will listen to and address community concerns so that all community members feel safe and supported by their Police department."