The Wellesley Police regret to announce the passing of retired Police Chief Ernest ‘Joe’ Gagnon on August 21, 2018. Chief Gagnon passed away in Venice, Florida and was 82 years old. Chief Gagnon served as a Wellesley Police Officer for 34 years.
Chief Gagnon was a member of the United States Marine Corps for 9 years prior to becoming a Wellesley Police Officer. He was appointed to the department as a patrolman in April of 1965. He was promoted to sergeant in December of 1983. He became the Wellesley Police Department’s first Deputy Police Chief when the position was created in December of 1993.
Chief Gagnon was appointed as Chief of the Wellesley Police Department by the Board of Selectmen on October 14, 1997. Chief Gagnon retired from the department in November of 1999 and was succeeded by Chief Terry Cunningham.
A celebration of life for Chief Gagnon will be held at a later date. The Wellesley Police Department will be wearing mourning bands on our badges to honor Chief Gagnon’s service to the community.