image description — Alexandra Wright pins her husband, Matthew, after he was sworn in as the new police chief in Cheshire on Wednesday morning.

Cheshire Swears-In New Police Chief Matthew Wright

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
12:55PM / Wednesday, September 09, 2026Print Story | Email Story

Town Clerk Whitney Flynn applauds after swearing in new Police Chief Matthew Wright during a brief ceremony in the Selectmen's meeting room.

CHESHIRE, Mass. — Community members gathered Wednesday to welcome Matthew Wright as their new police chief, marking what is said to be a new chapter for the department.

"I am honored and humbled for this opportunity, and I look forward to growing the department and serving this community, and just very excited to see what's going to come over the next several years here," Wright said following his swearing-in.

Wright, formerly a sergeant in the Adams Police Department, officially took his post on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and said he is excited to hit the ground running. Among his first priorities is filling the department's two vacant patrol officer positions.

The department is currently operating with Wright and just one patrol officer. Once the vacant positions are filled, Wright said the department will be back to full staffing with four patrol officers in addition to himself.

Wright credited Town Administrator Jennifer Morse and the Board of Selectmen with making significant progress in bringing the Police Department up to public safety standards which, he says, is going to help with the recruiting process.

"The demands of policing have changed, and the Cheshire Police Department has been evolving alongside those changes," said Selectmen Chairwoman Michelle Francesconi.

"I think that this is the next step toward a new future, and it's going to be very good all around."

During his interview, Wright said one of his main missions for the department is to restore the public's trust by being transparent, engaged with the community, and expanding training so officers feel prepared and invested in the department.

Moving forward, he wants to expand training opportunities within the department, envisioning officers that are trained in specialized disciplines.

He also hopes to keep more training in-house, giving officers an opportunity to learn and grow together while building a stronger sense of belonging within the department.

Wright has deep roots in Cheshire, where he was born and raised, and is a Hoosac Valley High School graduate. He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Berkshire Community College and later a bachelor's from Westfield State University.

Now, he is raising his own family in town, following in his father's footsteps by giving back to the community by being a volunteer coach and participating in local festivities.

The community is excited to have a "home-grown" chief that is dedicated and proud of his position, community, and family, Francesconi said.

Community members have highlighted his experience, professionalism, and commitment to the area and are very excited about this new hire.

"It's a new chapter for the police department and for the town, and it's exciting," Francesconi said.

Tags: police chief, swearing in,

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Letter: Supporting Organizations That Keep Our Communities Strong

Letter to the Editor06:05PM / Monday, October 26, 2026

To the Editor:

Berkshire County is home to many cultural gems, and the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (BSRM) is certainly one of them. Its Hoosac Valley Train Ride has become a cherished holiday tradition for families from near and far, offering a unique opportunity to experience our region's history, beauty, and sense of community.

It was heartbreaking to learn of the fire and the damage it caused. At the same time, it has been encouraging to see the determination of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum's team as they assess the damage, work toward repairs, and do everything possible to get the trains back in service and honor scheduled rides. Their commitment to rebuilding and moving forward is a testament to the passion and perseverance that keep BSRM alive.

The impact of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum extends well beyond the tracks. Here in Adams, the organization is an important part of our local economy. With approximately 10,000 riders annually, the Hoosac Valley Train Ride brings thousands of visitors to our community. Many of those visitors also spend time exploring our cultural attractions, dining at local restaurants, shopping at our businesses, and filling their gas tanks before heading home. That ripple effect matters, particularly to a small community like Adams.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Adams Fire Department for its work to fight the fire. We are fortunate to have dedicated firefighters who respond when our community needs them most. Their service is a powerful reminder of the importance of the people who give their time, energy, and expertise to protect our neighbors, our history, and our community.

Volunteer organizations are often the backbone of our towns. Whether they are responding to emergencies, preserving our history, or creating meaningful experiences for families, these organizations bring people together and help make the Berkshires a place we are proud to call home. They deserve our recognition, our gratitude, and our support — not just in times of crisis, but throughout the year. I am grateful to the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum for its determination and commitment to rebuilding, and to the Adams Fire Department for its service to our community.

I hope we will all do what we can to help the railway recover and continue sharing this special piece of Berkshire County history with future generations.

Christine Hoyt
Adams, Mass.

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