HEATH — Since starting as Heath’s police chief at the beginning of December, John McDonough has mostly been familiarizing himself with the town.
“It may be a good time of year to take over, because it’s winter and it’s slow and everybody’s quiet,” McDonough said. “It’s given me an opportunity to patrol around and get familiar with the town roads.”
McDonough has lived in Greenfield almost all of his life, except for a period of about 10 years, when he lived in Shelburne Falls. He works full-time at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, coordinating transportation for prisoners, and is also a part-time sergeant for the Charlemont Police Department. The Heath police chief is a part-time position.
“Heath is brand new to me,” McDonough said. “It’s kind of like Mayberry. Everybody just comes along and talks with you. It’s a friendly little town.”
McDonough will hold office hours on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.