MBTA Passes Over DeNaro to Keep Interim Police Chief on Job

Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro.

Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro, believed to be one of six finalists for the position of Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) transit police chief, was passed over to allow the interim MBTA chief to remain in his job.

MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola said Wednesday that he has selected Acting MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green to serve in the position permanently. DePaola said the MBTA was fortunate to have a number of good candidates for police chief, and that the screening and interview process was very thorough.

“Policing in a public transit environment poses unique challenges, and I strongly believe that Chief Green’s 26 years of MBTA experience will serve him well in this critical leadership role,” DePaola said. “Chief Green’s knowledge of the transit system and strong relationships with the communities we serve made him the clear choice for the job.”

WHAV reported Oct. 8 DeNaro was said to be one of the finalists for the position of MBTA transit police chief. However, MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo declined to confirm the report.

“The MBTA will not compromise the integrity of the (ongoing) selection process by commenting on it before it is completed,” Pesaturo said. He did say, however, “There were 69 applicants originally. Six finalist candidates were recently interviewed.”

Green joined the 270-person MBTA Transit Police Department as a patrolman in 1991, after serving as a police officer for the town of Winchester for eight years. An original member of the MBTA Transit Police SWAT team, Green was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004 and to Lieutenant and Deputy Chief in 2012. He has been serving as Acting Chief since November 2014, when Chief Paul MacMillan retired.

“I am truly honored to lead the fine men and women of the Transit Police Department and serve the MBTA and the citizens of Massachusetts in this capacity,” said Green. “The votes of confidence from Governor Baker, Secretary Pollack, General Manager DePaola, respected elected officials and community members are humbling. I am committed to ensuring the safest transportation system possible and dedicated to the principles of community policing.”

Green holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College, according to a statement. Green will be formally sworn in at a later date.