John Moore knows he has been awarded a great deal of responsibility as Holliston's new police chief.

And he has every intention of living up to the part.

In front of friends, family and 18 fellow officers, the 48-year-old former patrolman was sworn in by Town Clerk Jackie Dellicker at Wednesday night's Board of Selectmen meeting. A veteran of the department for 16 years, the Franklin resident and practicing lawyer was one of two finalists — out of seven in-house candidates — recommended by the Police Chief Screening Committee after two round of interviews.

Moore edged out fellow Holliston native Sgt. Craig Denman following the Selectmen's interviews on Feb. 8. He will replace Thomas Lambert, who retired in April 2010. Lt. Keith Edison has served as Acting Chief since then.

"I just want to thank the Selectmen and Screnning Committee," said Moore following the ceremony. "You saw something in me and I won't let you down."

Moore was accompanied by his father, Dave, a 35-year veteran of the Holliston Police Department. His mother, Ann, who was a teacher in town for many years, could not attaned after breaking her hip recently.

“They taught me the values I live by today,” said Moore of his parents.

The newly-minted chief also thanked his wife Susan, his son Kevin and his daughter Kristin.

“They've supported my endeavors and given me guidance, love and support,” said Moore.

To his future charges Moore said: “you will not find a more talented, passionate group and it will be my honor to serve as your chief.”

Now that he is the town's top cop, Moore has said he will "phase out" his law practice over the next few months. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Emmanuel College.

In other business:

• Conservation Commission Vice Chairwoman Ann Marie Pilch presented her department's fiscal year 2012 budget, which asked for an increase of 0.94 percent to $42,924. Since all department heads were asked by the Finance Committee to submit level budgets, however, Selectmen recommended that the Commission's proposal of a three percent salary increase for the conservation agent be taken out.

• During public comment, resident Liz Theiler asked Selectmen for tougher negotiations with the Holliston Police Association. Theiler, an advocate of a town-wide spending freeze, distributed a two-page packet to Selectmen detailing police benefits, which, according to her, include three days paid leave of absence, 16 hours of annual training, a clothing and equipment allowance of $950, 13.75 paid sick days per year and 11 holidays.
  
  Theiler also calculated the total average compensation of HPD’s 24 officers (chief, lieutenant, four sergeants, three detectives and 15 patrol officers) in FY09 as $92,669.41.
  
  According to Theiler's research, Holliston spent $290,669 for Educational Incentives/Quinn Bill in fiscal 2010. She had sent a letter to Selectmen earlier in the months, outlining the negotiations of nearby cities and towns like Sherborn, Wellesley, Dover and Newton.
  
  Theiler made a similar point about the Senior Center, saying the Council on Aging’s recent request for a $59,000 bump to cover increased salaries was irresponsible given Holliston’s economic situation. Theiler said that Natick’s center has three staff members working 19 or 19.5 hours per week, which means the town doesn’t have to pay the medical insurance and pensions that kick in 20 hours.
  
  Meanwhile, in addition to 30 percent raises for the Senior Center’s Director and Outreach Coordinator, the COA has asked for a clerical position at 25 hours per week. This, said Theiler, would account for 50 extra staff hours to keep the Center open for five extra hours a week (from 9 a.m.—2 p.m. to 9-3).

• In a letter to Selectmen, District Veterans Services Officer Anthony Mastroianni announced his retirement, effective June 30. The 84-year-old Mastroianni has served in that capacity for Holliston since 1978. He also represents veterans in Norfolk, Hopedale, Medway and Hopkinton.
  
  "He always had the best interest of the veterans in mind," said Selectmen Chairman Andy Porter. "He only asked for what he needed."

• Brian Loughlin was unanimously appointed to the Arts Council.

• The Holliston Fire Department received a letter of thanks for their courtesy and professionalism while aiding a man who had fallen off his roof recently. EMTs Randolph Catlin III and Paul Coffey and firefighter/EMT James McGowan treated the man at the scene and stayed with him at the emergency room.

• Heidi Doyle has stepped down as the Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee. Those who would like to serve should contact the committee, the Town Clerk’s office or the Selectmen’s office.

• The 44th Annual Holliston Antiques Show will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 27 at Holliston High. Sponsored by the Citizens Scholarship Foundation, the event will feature 125 exhibitors and will be open 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.on Sunday. Admission is $6.50 for adults, while children under 12 can enter for free. Proceeds will fund scholarships at Holliston High.
• American Cancer Society 2011 Relay For Life of Ashland/Holliston recently announced that Team C.L.A.M. is having a Family Style Chicken Dinner with music, and raffles on Feb. 26th at 7 p.m. at the Polish American Club (Ironstone Street, Millville). The cost is $20 per person and the event will raise money for Relay For Life of Ashland/Holliston. For tickets, call Ginger Baker at (401) 447-9435 or gbaker1087@charter.net.
• The Holliston Education Foundation will hold its second annual Holliston Community Trivia Bee in the High School cafeteria on March 2 at 7 p.m.
• The PTSA will be holding its 17th Annual Auction on March 25 at the Milford DoubleTree Hotel. Tickets for the general public are $35 until March 1 and $40 afterwards. For teachers/staff, the cost if $25 before March 1, $30 after. Tickets can be purchased online at the PTSA's Web site with any major credit card or by PayPal and can be mailed or picked up at the event.
  
  Selectmen last also approved the donation of an Upper Town Hall rental as a raffle prize for the auction.
• Selectmen also granted a permit for the the New Balance Reach the Beach Relay, a road race that benefits City Year and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The 190-mile race begins at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA at 7:30 a.m. on May 20 and ends at 7 p.m. at Horseneck Beach in Westport, MA. It will pass through Holliston from 6—11:30 p.m. on May 20 and will staffed by Auxilary Police officers.