Pittsfield Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire Jan. 9 after 24 years with the department, the last two as chief.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024. 

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

Dawley began working on the force as a patrolman before being transferred to the Anti-Crime Unit. He was assigned to the Drug Unit as a task force officer for the FBI Gang Task Force, and made detective around 2011. He worked as a patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, and finally, a detective captain.  

He was appointed the interim police chief in June 2023 and permanent chief a year later. 

In the fall, Marchetti requested that a chief assessment be conducted, and two candidates took the test. The city is still awaiting those results, and if the list is certified by Civil Service before his retirement, it is expected that the mayor will interview and appoint a new chief. 

Marchetti said once the list is provided to the city, it will be used to choose the next chief, hopefully in the next couple of weeks. 

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