Mayor Paul Brodeur has announced that Melrose resident Kevin Faller will be the next Police Chief for the City of Melrose.

Faller, 51, is a decorated 27-year law enforcement veteran who previously dedicated his entire career to the Medford Police Department, holding the role of Captain at the Command Staff Executive Level for the last 11 years. Prior to that, he served as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, detective commander, and internal affairs and professional standards commander.

A son of an immigrant from the Philippines and a native of Medford, Faller graduated from Tufts University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. He is a graduate of the Medford Police Academy. Faller has lived in Melrose with his family for the past 18 years. During that time, he has coached Melrose Youth Soccer and Basketball.

“Being a resident of Melrose and raising a family in the City were important factors that weighed heavily on my and my wife’s decision for me to apply for the position. I have a stake in the community, a vested interest in the quality of life, and high expectations for the quality and delivery of services provided by City officials, including the police department,” said Faller.  “Coming into this leadership role presents a unique opportunity for me to bring my own knowledge and experiences to help build upon the great work that has already been done by Chief Lyle and the men and women of the Melrose Police Department.  We have a great city, a great police department, and I am truly excited to now become a larger part of the community in which I live.”

He will officially begin his new role effective December 1, 2022, pending confirmation of his appointment by the Melrose City Council. Faller replaces Michael Lyle who retires on November 30 after serving 16 years as head of the Melrose Police Department and 36 years overall as a police officer in Melrose.

The City enlisted Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI), an executive search firm, to help recruit its next police chief. MRI worked with City officials, community members including members of the Mayor’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Task Force and the Chamber of Commerce to create an ideal candidate profile.

"We are grateful to MRI, all community members who responded to our survey, and the members of the community panel who participated in the assessment center for their assistance in selecting Faller as the next Police Chief for the City of Melrose,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “Kevin Faller comes to the department as a decorated law enforcement veteran and a Melrose resident of nearly two decades. Having served in every significant police role during his time in the Medford PD, Kevin combines extensive public safety experience with a deep knowledge of our community, and a strong commitment to engaging all community members, empowering all police personnel, and driving forward the City’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the police department. I look forward to welcoming Faller to the City of Melrose as our next Chief of Police.”