North Adams Police Chief Relieved of Duties
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Police Chief Jason Wood has been relieved of his duties and will leave the department as of June 30.
The 20-year veteran of the force was put on paid administrative leave earlier this month for what was described as a "non-criminal" matter that was being investigated by the city's legal team. Officials have declined to detail was was being investigated, saying it was a personnel matter.
Mayor Jennifer Macksey, in a brief email Saturday morning, said he will remain on paid administrative leave and had been notified his contract will not be renewed.
"I have lost trust and confidence in his abilities to lead the North Adams Police Department," she wrote. "This is my only comment relevant to this matter."
Lt. Anthony Beverly has been managing the department since Wood was put on leave and will continue in the interim. Macksey said she will be rolling out an interim plan with details to follow later.
Wood was appointed chief in 2019 by then Mayor Thomas Bernard, becoming the first appointed chief in 40 years. The city had operated under a commissioner of public safety with fire and police directors.
He was chosen over two other outside candidates for the position for his strong roots in the communities and familiarity with the department.
Beverly is a 17-year veteran of the force and was promoted to sergeant in 2017 and to lieutenant not long after.
The change in force leadership comes as the department is moving into new temporary quarters in the Berkshire Plaza because of the police station's poor conditions.
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