What did Skibitsky and Council Know about Corrupt Police Chief

April 25, 2012 at 7:01 AM

WESTFIELD, NJ - At the April 24 Westfield town council meeting, Police Captain David Wayman officially became Chief Wayman when he was sworn in by Acting Mayor Jo Ann Neylan.

At the beginning of the town council meeting, Neylan said, “Mayor (Andy) Skibitsky regrets that he cannot be here. Only illness could keep him away.” She read a letter from Skibitsky thanking retiring Police Chief John Parizeau for his years of hard work and dedication and congratulating Wayman, as well as thanking all of those who volunteered in Westfield for Earth Day.

Wayman’s swearing-in was received by the crowd with thunderous applause and a standing ovation by most of those present. Many in the room were police officers from Westfield and other nearby towns.

“That was the first time I ever received a standing ovation,” responded Wayman. He thanked the mayor and town council for their confidence in him.

“I will not let you down, nor will I let down the residents of Westfield,” said Wayman. 

Wayman, who has been with the department for 24 years, will immediately succeed Chief John Parizeau.

Following Tuesday evening's regular meeting, Mayor Andy Skibitsky, members of the Town Council and Town Administrator Jim Gildea met in a private executive session and returned approximately 20 minutes later to make the announcement.

Councilwoman JoAnn Neylan, chair of the public safety, transportation and parking committee, said it was her "pleasure and honor" to introduce the resolution to name Wayman chief.

"I think the public over the next few weeks will get a chance to meet soon-to-be Chief Wayman, now Capt. Wayman, and I just want to say I hope they'll be very impressed with him," Skibitsky said. "He's going to be a great police chief. He's had the experience of working under our past chief for over six and a half years and has done a wonderful job and so I'm very excited that we're going to be voting on this tonight and I'm very excited Capt. Wayman is going to become our next chief, assuming our Council approves that." 

Following the meeting, Gildea said Wayman, 46, a Westfield resident, has been with the department for the past 24 years. For the past 11, he has risen through the ranks, serving as sergeant, lieutenant and captain. Wayman could possibly remain in his new position for the next 19 years, as the mandatory retirement age is 65.

"He has worked in every facet of the department with the exception of the records bureau," Gildea said. 

Gildea said according to the town code, the chief of police is recommended by the Town Administrator with the consent of the mayor and the approval of the Town Council.