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Haverhill police chief retires amid no confidence vote, criticism after officer’s death
“I have accepted his resignation. And while his departure ends a chapter, it is not the end of the story,” the mayor said.
The Haverhill police chief who was placed on leave amid rising tensions within the department is retiring, the mayor announced, as the police union issued a vote of no confidence in the department’s leadership.
Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone was placed on administrative leave on Tuesday, Mayor Melinda Barrett said, and shortly after, he announced he would retire effective immediately.
“I have accepted his resignation. And while his departure ends a chapter, it is not the end of the story,” Barrett said in a statement Thursday night. “I recognize that the men and women of our police force have faced incredibly difficult circumstances and are grieving for the loss of one of their own. Their health and well-being are of utmost importance, and we are making sure they have access to the care they need.”
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The Haverhill Police Patrolman’s Association issued a vote of no confidence in both Pistone and Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty Jr., the union said in a statement Thursday. The vote comes after the unexpected death of Officer Katelyn Tully, 32, on Sept. 26.
“Our members have raised serious concerns regarding continued mismanagement, a persistent lack of transparency, and a failure to adequately support officers in the performance of their duties,” the statement said.
Tensions seem to have been high at the department since Franci Gigliotti died in July being restrained by officers. His death was deemed to be a homicide, and was attributed to an abnormal heartbeat caused by cocaine and alcohol intoxication and efforts by police to restrain him, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker office. His office is investigating “whether the actions of the police officers were justified.”
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Tully was reportedly one of the seven officers put on paid leave following Gigliotti’s death, with her father confirming that to The Eagle-Tribune this week. He believes that his daughter died of a stress-induced heart attack in her home on Bartlett Avenue.
“We believe the people of Haverhill deserve a department led by individuals committed to transparency, fairness, and a genuine investment in the welfare of our community and those who serve it,” the union said. “Eighty-three dedicated men and women work tirelessly each day to complete this mission in honor of Officer Katelyn Tully.”
The city will hire an independent third-party investigator “to look into the union’s concerns and department-wide operations as a whole,” Barrett said. Doherty was named acting chief, he said in a statement.
“I recognize that this tragedy, combined with the daily challenges of policing in today’s world, has placed enormous strain on our officers,” Doherty wrote, referring to Tully’s death. “Many are hurting, tired, and asking for help. The recent vote of no confidence reflects that pain. I hear it, I respect it, and I take it seriously.”
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After Tully’s death, Pistone posted a statement online mourning her passing.
“She served our community with grace, compassion, kindness, and professionalism, and will be deeply missed. I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family and friends, and the men and women of the Haverhill Police department,” he wrote. Pistone did not name Tully directly in that statement, citing “respect for the officer’s family and their privacy.”
Alex MacMullen, Tully’s boyfriend and a police officer for the town of Newbury, issued a statement about her death and Pistone’s conduct.
“Katelyn Tully’s passing was a tragic event that was emotionally painful for members of the Haverhill PD where she was an officer, and for her family, friends, and all those who cared for her – myself included. The incredible stress she endured following the July death of a person in HPD custody created stress and pain for me, her family, and others who were close to Katelyn,” he said.
“As a fellow law enforcement professional, I am stunned by the clumsy and careless manner in which Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone has handled this tragedy, and the inquiry into the July incident. Katelyn was a dedicated officer, a trusted friend and colleague, a beloved daughter and sibling,and a loving girlfriend. Chief Pistone’s conduct in the days since her passing is an example of exactly how a leader should nothandle one of the most difficult things a police department can experience,” MacMullen added.
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