Norwood has a new Top Dog in town!
By Michele Taranto
For many Norwood natives, Norwood’s new police chief is a familiar face. What a journey for Christopher Padden; from the Cleveland Elementary School, then through Norwood’s middle and high school. From a patrol officer, to sergeant, lieutenant, and deputy chief, and now, the Norwood Police Department’s 28-year veteran, sworn in on May 1, 2024, is Norwood’s highest-ranking officer protecting its residents.
“I had no intention of being Chief of Police,” Chief Paddon said. “I found myself where the opportunities were there. It was never my goal, but if there is an opportunity to serve, you do it. I was happy being a patrolman. It’s the best job in the world.”
Chief Paddon’s first job was serving his country. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps, and was stationed in Operation Desert Shield/Operation Dessert Storm, and later served in the reserves. His choice to join a police force after the military was influenced by his interactions with policemen when he was younger; kid stuff as he called it, but an ultimately positive inspiration.
Norwood residents will not likely see a lot of changes under Paddon’s regime. As working with Norwood’s former Police Chief, William Brooks for many years, he was heavily involved in the systems that were in place and working when he took the position. Chief Paddon also shares his predecessor’s team philosophy, an energy that has been embraced by the local community.
“It is a team effort, and that effort is going to continue in the same manner,” Chief Paddon said. “The Chief [Brooks] was always the one who brought attention to the NPD. I really want to push the everyday work of the men and women of the Norwood Police Department.”
There is no denying that Chief Paddon is filling big shoes following the legacy of Chief Brooks. The two, however, worked very closely together and residents can rest assured, the streets of Norwood and the community will receive the same attention and effort they have grown to expect, embrace, appreciate, and respect.
“Chief Brooks included everyone in the development, budget, etc. of the department,” Chief Paddon said. “There was a good succession plan in place. He made sure everyone was on board. A good team player. You have to work with everyone beneath you for an organization to work well. He was very influential in policing across. The town only knows half of it. Norwood PD is in great shape, there is nothing to fix.”
As a Norwood native, an extensive military and police background, and comprehensive experience in the Norwood Police Department, Chief Paddon was ready to hit the ground running in his new position. His presence and qualifications will ensure a smooth transition as Chief Brooks prepared for and a department that will continue to patrol and remain visible on the streets and sidewalks of town and always put the community first.
“Norwood is a great place and we have great people here,” Chief Paddon said. “The biggest thing is if people’s experience is positive. The people that you deal with every day, they are great. It’s because they know us. If people want to know why we are doing something, we are happy to sit down with them. It is really important to have that communication.”
