Ashburnham and Hubbardston police chiefs both announce plans to retire
HUBBARDSTON — Within 24 hours of each other, Hubbardston Chief of Police Dennis Perron and Ashburnham Chief Loring Barrett Jr. announced plans to retire in July online.
Both chiefs have served their respective communities for 16 years and announced their last day is July 15.
On Wednesday, the town of Hubbardston announced on Facebook that Perron had decided to retire.
“Chief Perron’s more than 37 years in law enforcement and 16 years of service to the Town of Hubbardston is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to his commitment to public service,” said Town Administrator Ryan McClane, who accepted Perron’s retirement on behalf of the Hubbardston Select Board.
Ryan said Perron excelled at his job over the years despite budget challenges, recessions, community storms, changes in government structure, the Great Recession, and COVID-19.
“His experience and adaptability provided the town with much-needed stability,” McClane said. “But most impressive was his decision to schools, safety, and building a sense of community.”
Sgt. Ryan Couture, who has been a member of the department for 21 years, was appointed by the board to serve as interim chief for a six-month period starting on July 16. Couture, who has served over the years as a detective, patrolman, and dispatcher, will lead the department, develop goals, and evaluate members for their ability to serve in future leadership positions, according to officials.
“Sgt. Couture has my full confidence having demonstrated leadership and community service during his more than eight years as a Hubbardston Police Sergeant,” McClane said. “(He) has already began working on goals for improving the department and ways to further connect with the community.”
The Select Board would organize a formal search for the town’s next permanent chief in the coming months, according to officials.
Ashburnham Chief Loring Barrett Jr. announces his retirement
The town of Ashburnham will also be searching for a new law enforcement leader.
In a June 29 letter to residents, Chief Loring Barrett Jr. said he decided to retire from the position he had held for nearly 17 years, and after 35 years in law enforcement.
Loring thanked the community for its support over the years for both the police department and the emergency dispatch center.
“When I came here in October 2005, there was much that needed to be done,” Loring wrote. “I honestly feel that over the years much has changed for the better and the Ashburnham Police Department and Dispatch Center rose to the occasion. This has only happened because of the commitment of the men and women of those departments, the support of town officials, and ultimately the residents of Ashburnham.”
Perron and Barrett the third local chiefs of police to announce their retirement over the past few weeks. Chief Richard Braks in Gardner recently announced that he would retire for the department after 23 years of service.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Hubbardston Police Chief Perron and Ashburnham Chief Barrett Jr retire
