The Wellesley Police Department is proud to announce that Lieutenant Jeff Renzella has been promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police.
Deputy Chief Renzella is a 26-year veteran of the Wellesley Police Department, having been appointed to the Department in 1998. He served as a police officer until 2003, when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
As a Sergeant, he supervised the midnight and evening patrol shifts for many years. In 2018, he was promoted to Lieutenant, where he commanded the Patrol Division of the department, as well as the Emergency Communication Center. This includes most of the day-to-day operations of the uniformed police officers, dispatchers, and sergeants. This makes up approximately 90% of the department.
As a Lieutenant, Jeff had many other duties independent of the dispatch center and patrol division. He was responsible for leading and planning large- and small-scale special events throughout the community, from 5K road races to the Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon is a major operation to plan, and consists of numerous meetings, drills, planning and liaising with many outside agencies, as well as addressing the ever-changing threat and security environment of the race itself. On race day, Jeff serves as the Wellesley route commander, ensuring the safety of the public, the runners, and the first responders throughout the course in Wellesley.
Jeff has been responsible for providing and enhancing, security training with Schools and Houses of Worship in Wellesley. He has led countless hours of active emergency drills, helping our community ensure they have the most up to date training in this regard. Jeff leads and coordinates the Wellesley Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), which primarily addresses mental health emergencies in our community.
In addition to his work at the Wellesley Police Department, Deputy Chief Renzella is active in the Wellesley community ‘off duty.’ Of note, he is currently one of the coaches for the Wellesley High School Varsity Football team, a position he has held for ten years. Wellesley High School Football is currently in the Final Four playoffs.
Deputy Chief Renzella was sworn into his new position during the Select Board Meeting on November 19, and officially started his position on November 20, 2024. The ceremony was extremely well attended and included his family, the Wellesley Police Department, the Wellesley High School Football Team and coaching staff. Recently retired Chief of Police Jack Pilecki also attended, offering his support to the new Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Renzella had his new badge pinned on him by his wife, Maura, as his family looked on.
Deputy Chief Renzella is a lifelong resident of Wellesley and graduated from Wellesley High School. He received his bachelor’s from Saint Anselm College, and his master’s from Western New England. He has a certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management from the Mass Municipal Association and Suffolk University.
The Wellesley Police Department wishes Deputy Chief Renzella well in his new position, and thanks him for his service to our community.