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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BRO MX Ordered to Comply With Conservation Restrictions
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Conservation Commission gave BRO MX until July 28 to place signage marking conservation-restricted area they improperly mowed as well as hire a botanist to review the area.
The commission on Thursday went over some conservation restrictions included in the deed of motocross track owners Jason and Jessica Langenback that they unknowingly violated.
"The reason why you are on the agenda is that there have been suggested anomalies of the management and the use of the conversation restriction … wetlands encroachment and things along those lines," Chairman Andrew J. Kawczak said. "So I am hoping … this gets the conversation started."
Specifically, the restrictions control mowing in a meadowed area as there are endangered insects and plants.
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Matthew Tatro was presented with the Spirit of the Future Award, David Bissaillon with the Spirit of Community Award, and Rosalie Girard with Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award.
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Leonesio was hired last September as assistant clerk and has been acting clerk over the last several weeks since the departure of Joshua Vallieres.
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Dozens of American Legion members from Sutton marched their way through downtown North Adams on Sunday participating in the 100 Miles For Hope Walk. click for more