Police Chief Keith Houghton looks as though he will be leading the department for at least another three years.
City Manager Fidel Maltez announced that he has extended the contract for the chief for an additional two years, with a term ending on May 31, 2027.
“Chief Houghton has done a terrific job over the last two years leading the Chelsea Police Department, particularly in light of many key retirements in the Department,” said Maltez. “Chief Houghton has done a great job interacting with our community, and has created significant partnerships. In my time in office, I have been impressed with Chief Houghton’s responsiveness and his ability to deal with difficult situations in our city.”
Houghton was officially sworn in as chief, replacing Brian Kyes, at the end of 2022. He was appointed to the Chelsea Police Department in 1986 and worked his way through the ranks, becoming a captain in 2002.”
In 2007, Houghton was appointed to lead the department’s criminal investigation divisions, as well as serve as the public information officer for the department. He has a master’s degree from Anna Maria College and is a graduate of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
“Chief Houghton is extremely committed to maintain a strong relationship with the City Council,” Maltez said. “We will continue our Public Safety Subcommittee meetings, as well as our weekly calls on youth and violence. I am looking forward to working diligently with Chief Houghton and the command staff to ensure public safety remains a top priority for our administration.”
District 8 Councilor Calvin Brown praised the extension, noting that Houghton is someone who is from Chelsea and had worked his way up in the department.
“He pays attention to the community, and he works with us, as council members know,” said Brown. “I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
In other hiring news, Maltez informed the council that he will be hiring Grace Agosto as the executive assistant in the city manager’s office, effective April 1. He said the hire does not require any additional appropriation of funds.
“Ms. Agosto is a life-long Chelsea resident and a graduate of Chelsea High School,” said Maltez. “Ms. Agosto is also bilingual and deeply connected to our community. Ms. Agosto has been working in the City Manager’s office on a temporary basis since January 2, 2024, and has excelled during her time with us.”