Stockbridge — Chief of Police Robert Eaton says he is leaving the department after being offered the Chief of Police position in Townsend, according to a prepared statement issued by John Guilfoil, a municipal public relations specialist recently hired by both Stockbridge and the town of Great Barrington.
“I understand that word of my candidacy for this position may have made its way to the media before I was prepared,” Eaton said in the statement, “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.
“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.”
Eaton, who did not return calls for comment, says it is this “new opportunity” for his advancement that may have him packing, and he had only glowing things to say about the town, its residents, and the department. He thanked Town Administrator Jorja-Ann Marsden, the Board of Selectmen, and former Selectman Deb McMenamy “for their support, honesty, and professionalism throughout this process.”
Marsden was unavailable for comment today, and board member Ernest “Chuck” Cardillo, also the Stockbridge Fire Chief, could not be reached. McMenamy, who was a board member when Eaton came to Stockbridge from Smithfield, Rhode Island two years ago, said she had no information to add.
His resignation process, he said in the statement, is incomplete, and a call to Selectboard member Stephen Shatz confirmed that the board has not yet received a resignation letter from Eaton.
“Until such time as we have a letter, we can’t make a statement,” Shatz said. “Once we have that, I’m sure our board will have something to say.”
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