Newton Police Chief John Carmichael Jr. has been on leave all summer, and he recently announced that he is not returning to the Newton Police Department.
“After more than 35 years of a life in public service, I have made the personal decision to embark on the next chapter of my life and career,” Carmichael wrote in a statement to the community Friday.
Carmichael started in his role as chief in June 2021. Previously, he had served as chief of the Walpole Police Department.
This past spring, Carmichael took a leave of absence for personal reasons that were not disclosed to the public, which he now says were health-related, and Newton Police Superintendent George McMains took over as acting chief.
Carmichael recently stepped down permanently from the chief role, effective Sept. 27.
“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to be part of what I consider the noblest profession,” Carmichael continued.
“The City of Newton is extremely fortunate to have such a high caliber of talented, selfless, and compassionate people, ready and willing to serve their community with utmost distinction and professionalism. I consider myself blessed to have had the chance to work alongside some exceptional people and lead the best humanity has to offer,” Carmichael said.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller sent an email to residents honoring Carmichael and thanking him for serving the city.
“I have great respect for Chief Carmichael and deep gratitude for his service to the Newton Police Department and our community,” Mayor Fuller wrote.
“Chief Carmichael immediately made a positive impact on the Newton Police Department. Working closely with members of NPD, he enhanced community engagement (with our Community Resource Dog Leo, and Positive Tickets: Catching Kids Doing Right, being two wonderful examples),” Fuller’s letter continues. “Chief Carmichael paid close attention to the recommendations of the Newton Police Reform Task Force and looked across Massachusetts and the country to prioritize 21st Century Policing that would be effective here in Newton.”
Carmichael was co-chair of the department’s new Community Crisis Intervention Team and made mental health intervention a focus of the department. He implemented training to help officers de-escalate crises and the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) reforms.
Fuller said she would start the process of looking for and hiring a new police chief, while McMains continues as acting chief.