Dawn Charette has been police chief for six years and a member of the police department for 13.
Dawn Charette WALES — Police Chief Dawn Charette is retiring, and the Board of Selectmen has appointed Lt. Jay Hastings to take her place, an appointment that’s effective June 1.
Selectmen Chairman Michael Valanzola said Hastings was selected for the part-time, $6,000-a-year post at the selectmen’s meeting on May 22 out of a pool of three candidates. Charette, who has led the part-time Police Department for six years and been a member for 13, will retire May 31.
“She’s accomplished what she intended to accomplish and made the department better. She gave it her all. She provided champagne policing on a beer pocketbook. She’s well-respected and well-regarded by most folks in town and she elevated community policing,” Valanzola said.
“She was able to get more money to increase patrols, and she just did a stellar job ... The town of Wales has benefited from the fact that she was a very dedicated and committed police chief,” Valanzola said.
Valanzola said Hastings was acting chief for a six-month period when Charette was on medical leave. There are seven part-timers on the police force, including the chief.
In other news, Valanzola will not seek reelection in the June 25 election. Competing for his three-year position are Lynne M. Serrenho, of 48 Tiderman Road; former selectman Richard J. Learned, 58 Mt. Hitchcock Road; Edward Boyce, 81 Haynes Hill Road; and Karen M. Blasco, 35 Lake George Road.
Valanzola said he is keeping a campaign promise by only serving two terms. While he is sad to leave, he said he is leaving with his “head held high.” Government is more open, the rainy day fund was expanded and the town’s financial stability has improved, Valanzola said.
“I believe government runs best when new people come through,” said Valanzola, who will continue to serve as chairman of the Tantasqua Regional School District Committee.