Local takes over Fitchburg PD

Phillip Kearns, of Westminster, was sworn in as the acting police chief of Fitchburg on July 17 by Fitchburg Mayor Dan Mylott.

Kearns, who was a captain with the department, replaces Police Chief Edward Cronin.

Mylott said chose Kearns as acting chief because he feels Kearns has a good relationship with police officers on staff.

"One of the reasons I chose Chief Kearns was his rapport with officers and his way of interacting with the community," Mylott said.

Kearns has said he is not sure if will pursue the chief's job on a permanent basis, after being offered the interim job on July 16.