Veteran Edgartown police chief announces retirement

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After 33 years with the Edgartown Police Department, the last 15 as its chief of police, Paul Condlin announced his retirement Monday, effective August 7 this year.

The chief appeared before the town selectmen, accompanied by his wife. “I can’t believe the time has finally arrived,” Chief Condlin said. “I brought my wife, Linda, with me, my wife of 30 years. She’s been very supportive, put up with many, many phone calls in the middle of the night.”

Selectmen said they expect to appoint Lt. Tony Bettencourt, who has served as second in command, to be the next police chief. Mr. Bettencourt also attended Monday’s meeting.

“He’s been working, being next in line, for a number of years,” Michael Donaroma, chairman of the selectmen, told The Times on Tuesday. “He’s worked his way up the ladder.” Mr. Donaroma said he does not expect the town to conduct a search to replace Chief Condlin.

In a letter to selectmen dated January 7, Chief Condlin said he “will be forever grateful” for having had the opportunity to serve the town as a police officer for the past 33 years.

Mr. Condlin took what is often admiringly described as a low-key community-focused approach to policing. He offered to help smooth the transition to the next police chief.

“I had the honor to be here when you were appointed,” selectman Art Smadbeck told Mr. Condlin. “It seems like just yesterday. It’s been an incredibly good experience.”

“You’ve earned your retirement,” selectman Margaret Serpa said. “Enjoy it.”

“We hate to see you go,” chairman Michael Donaroma said. “But we certainly accept the offer to be of assistance during the transition.”

In other business, selectmen accepted a petition with more than the required 10 certified signatures to put an article on the town meeting warrant asking voters to raise and appropriate $4,068,621 to expand the Edgartown Free Public Library.