Barbara Murphy sworn in as Malden’s first woman Police Commissioner

Special to The Advocate

Mayor Gary Christenson, Police Chief Glenn Cronin, members of the City Council and several City Hall employees witnessed as former Ward 5 Councillor Barbara Murphy was officially sworn in as Malden’s 23^rd Police Commissioner. City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio took the oath and then had Murphy sign the official Oath Book.

Murphy, a lifelong resident of Malden, served seven terms as Ward 5 Councillor. During her time as Ward Councillor, she served as City Council President on two occasions, chaired the Finance Committee multiple times, and always took an active role in public safety matters.

“I am pleased that Barbara will continue to serve her community and that she has accepted this opportunity to work side by side with our Police Chief Glenn Cronin in providing guidance and oversight of the Malden Police Department,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “Barbara’s strong management, operational skills, and knowledge of this community, municipal government and finance combined with her fair mindedness and even keeled approach really make her a great fit for this role.”

Murphy, the first woman to be appointed Police Commissioner in the history of Malden, is fulfilling the term left vacant by the recent passing of longtime Police Commissioner Salvatore “Butch” Gennetti.