Acton Names Douglas Sturniolo New Police Chief
ACTON — Douglas Sturniolo has been appointed chief of the Acton Police Department, the town announced, while a NARA Summer Concert Series kids show was postponed with a makeup date still to come.
TOWN HALL
The Town of Acton announced the appointment of Douglas Sturniolo as chief of the Acton Police Department, according to a release posted to the town's official website. The announcement did not detail additional specifics such as start date or prior background, but the posting frames it as a formal leadership appointment for the department.
Separately, the town posted a corrected update on municipal services tied to Independence Day weekend, noting town offices and non-emergency services were closed that Friday, with the Acton Memorial Library and Transfer Station open Friday but closed Saturday. The July 2026 edition of the Municipal Monthly newsletter is also now available for download via the town website.
The town also reiterated resources for residents amid an extreme heat forecast, pointing to guidance and cooling resources previously shared with the public.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Acton Public Library's Kids Concert Night at NARA, featuring Ben Rudnick & Friends, has been postponed, with a makeup date to be scheduled later this season, per the town's News Flash postings. The NARA Summer Concert Series continues otherwise, with a Kids Night featuring Jeff Jam set for Tuesday, July 28.
At the library, this week's adult and family programming includes Meet-up Mondays for games and socializing, a Cookbook Club gathering built around "The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook" by Meredith Hayden, and the ongoing Acton Compassion-Knits charity crafting sessions. The library's free "Lunch Bunch" program for children and teens ages 2 to 18 continues on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through July 29, offering meals donated by local restaurants.
Planning also continues for the town's Acton Harvest Festival, set for Sunday, September 20, at noon, gathering the town's agricultural community, per the town website.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Patch AM: How one tiny Acton-based nonprofit quietly keeps neighbors in their homes" — Patch highlights a small local nonprofit's work helping residents stay housed, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/acton).
"Patch AM: Graffiti incident on Acton town line prompts police investigation" — Patch reports a graffiti incident near the town line drew police attention, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/acton).
COMING UP
The 250 Committee and Finance Subcommittee both meet Monday, July 27, followed Tuesday, July 28, by the Acton Housing Authority, Planning Board, and Historic District Commission. The NARA Summer Concert Series continues Tuesday, July 28, with Kids Night featuring Jeff Jam. At the library, Sensory Storytime and Meet-up Mondays run Monday, July 27; Cookbook Club and Lunch Bunch continue Tuesday, July 28; Acton Compassion-Knits meets Wednesday, July 29, alongside the D&D Summer Club and an all-ages Hamilton karaoke night; and Peace Crane Folding and a Teen Drop-In Games Day are set for Thursday, July 30.
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.