Reversing Firing, Gloucester, Mass. Officials Allow Embattled Police Chief to Retire

The embattled police chief of Gloucester, Massachusetts, has reached an agreement with the city to retire at the beginning of 2017 after his firing was announced earlier this week.

Gloucester officials announced the deal with Gloucester Police Chief Leonard Campanello just days after the mayor announced he was fired amid a probe into "disturbing allegations" concerning his relationships with two women outside of work and accused him of lying to investigators.

Campanello will remain on paid leave until he formally retires on Jan. 3, 2017.

It's unclear what caused the termination reversal.

In a statement, Campanello said it has been "an extraordinarily difficult time for myself, and my family," and says he's glad to have reached a deal with the city of Gloucester.

"I am overwhelmingly proud of the police department's achievements and look forward to new opportunities in chaning the way law enforcement and other entities deal with those they serve in a non-judgment and empathetic way," he continued. "Addiction is just one piece of the puzzle. We must do more and I plan to devote all of my attention toward that conversation."

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said Thursday that Campanello's decision to retire allows the city to move forward faster, without hearings and the possibility of a lawsuit.

Gloucester officials say Deputy Chief John McCarthy will continue to serve as interim chief, and that Campanello's innovative program assisting opioid addicts will continue to operate.

More to come.

Contact Us