GILL — David Hastings has been placed on administrative leave from his role as the town’s police chief.
According to Hastings, reached by telephone Sunday night, he retired on Friday, Sept. 15.
According to Selectboard member Greg Snedeker, Hastings was placed on a non-disciplinary paid administrative leave Sept. 1 because a legal matter prevented Hastings from performing his duties. Snedeker told the Recorder on Sunday that the legal matter involved a protection order filed against Hastings by his son.
Snedeker said the Selectboard will revisit the matter during an executive session Monday night, Sept. 18.
Hastings said he would not be attending the meeting on Monday night. He said he had been able to retire since April and that a legal order did not have a bearing on his decision to do so. Prior to his retirement, he said he had been on paid leave.
“I’ve retired, there’s nothing to attend,” he said of the meeting.
Snedeker said Hastings was placed on leave by chairman Randy Crochier, when the legal order was initially granted, and then the board met to discuss the issue on Sept. 7 in executive session.
Hastings is still listed as the chief on the town’s website, but Hastings said Sgt. Chris Redmond is currently in charge of the department.
“It’s been a wonderful experience working in the community of Gill, 23 great years and they’ll be in great hands with the officers in this department,” he said.
According to the town’s website, Hastings has been in law enforcement for a total of 24 years, having graduated from the New England Law Enforcement Command Institute at Babson College.