Stockbridge Police Chief Taking Townsend Job Offer

Staff ReportsPrint Story | Email Story

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Police Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. is leaving the town after two years for a position in northeastern Massachusetts.

In an statement released on Wednesday, Eaton said he has been offered a similar post in Townsend in Middlesex County.

"While the process is still not complete, and details have to be worked out, it does appear that I will be accepting the offer," he said.

"I understand that word of my candidacy for this position may have made its way to the media before I was prepared, and while I am excited and motivated for this new challenge in my career, I will be leaving Stockbridge on the best of terms. I could not be more appreciative of the support I have enjoyed here during my career. This is simply a new opportunity for me to advance my career and pass the torch to the next leader of the Stockbridge Police Department."

The Townsend Board of Selectmen offered the post to Eaton on Tuesday night, not even bothering to interview him, according to an article in the Lowell Sun. Townsend's former police chief retired last fall.



Eaton was hired by Stockbridge in 2014 after 25 years with the Smithfield, R.I., Police Department to replace Rick Wilcox.

In his statement, Eaton thanked elected officials, the town administrator and Berkshire County and state police for their support, as well as members of the Stockbridge Police Department.

"I feel comfortable moving on in my career knowing that you all will continue to exemplify the highest standards in municipal law enforcement," he said.

"I am honored to have served the community of Stockbridge and its residents, and I am grateful for the two years that I have spent here."


Tags: police chief,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

View Full Story

More Stockbridge Stories