Tony Bettencourt sworn in as Edgartown police chief

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Tony Bettencourt is officially the new police chief in Edgartown, following a brief swearing in ceremony Monday at the selectmen’s meeting.

“Short and sweet,” said the chief after being sworn in by town clerk Wanda Williams in a ceremony that lasted all of 20 seconds.

Selectmen Art Smadbeck called it a privilege and an honor to preside over the short ceremony. Chairman Margaret Serpa recused herself and sat in the front row instead of the chairman’s seat, because Mr. Bettencourt is her nephew.

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Bettencourt’s wife Erika, detective Craig Edwards and officer Chris Dolby, Edgartown District Court probation officer Peter Zona, and attorney Sean Murphy.

Selectman Michael Donaroma capped off the quick ceremony with a wisecrack. “That’s probably the easiest thing you’ll every do as chief,” Mr. Donaroma said.

Mr. Bettencourt is a 27-year veteran of the Edgartown police department. He began his career as a summer police officer a few weeks after graduating from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High school. He has been in the chief’s role for most of this summer, as retiring chief Paul Condlin used up vacation and sick time owed him.

“I’ve been on the job for a couple of months,” said the newly sworn in chief. “I’m going to continue to do the job. I look forward to working with selectmen and the other town boards.”