Acton Announces Douglas Sturniolo as New Police Chief

DATELINE — ACTON

The Town of Acton has announced the appointment of Douglas Sturniolo as Chief of the Acton Police Department, the most consequential item to surface from town sources this week. Town Hall also flagged extreme-heat safety resources for residents, and organizers postponed a planned family concert at NARA Park.

TOWN HALL

The town's official website confirmed the appointment of Douglas Sturniolo as the new Chief of the Acton Police Department, though the announcement did not specify an effective date or provide additional biographical detail. Residents can find the full announcement on the town's website.

Separately, Town Hall posted guidance for residents ahead of continued extreme heat in the forecast, pointing people to available resources for staying safe during hot conditions. The town also released its July 2026 edition of the Municipal Monthly, the town's regular newsletter roundup of department updates and announcements.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

Kids Concert Night at NARA Park, which was set to feature performer Ben Rudnick & Friends, has been postponed. The town says a makeup date will be scheduled later this season; no new date has been announced yet.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"🌱 Patch AM: Will Acton voices shape MassDOT's final plan for the Concord Rotary?" Patch's Acton newsletter flagged the status of MassDOT's planning process for the Concord Rotary redesign and raised the question of how much local input will factor into the state's final decision, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/acton).

"🌱 Patch AM: What neighbors are spotting on Acton's trails, boardwalks, and backyards" Patch's roundup also touched on recent resident sightings and observations from around town's trails and backyards this week, per Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/acton).

COMING UP

The Select Board and the Finance Subcommittee are both scheduled to meet Monday, July 20, according to the town's public calendar. Also on Monday, July 20, the Library Policy Review Committee has a meeting listed. On Tuesday, July 21, the Council on Aging (revised schedule) and the Commission on Disabilities both have meetings on the town calendar.