ORANGE — Police Chief Craig Lundgren has resigned, effective March 1.
The chief of five years began his career in Orange in 1981 as a firefighter, before transferring to the police department in 1984. Since November, Lundgren, who is a full-time chief in Orange, has split his time with neighboring Athol, acting as police chief for both towns after the departure of Athol’s chief.
There is no indication Lundgren is resigning as Athol police chief, and it is unclear if he will take on a larger role in Athol after leaving Orange. Lundgren could not be reached for comment Thursday.
The announcement was made at Wednesday’s Selectboard meeting after a closed-door session with the chief. According to Orange Selectboard Chairman Ryan Mailloux, “We weren’t sure what the outcome of the meeting (with Lundgren) would be.”
“Making this decision has been very difficult for me,” Lundgren wrote in a letter to the Selectboard dated Jan. 30.
“I started my career with Orange in 1981, when I was hired as the fourth full-time firefighter. I transferred to the police department in 1984, and I’ve served as evening sergeant, day-shift sergeant and eventually chief,” Lundgren said. “I served under four incredible police chiefs, and I’ve worked with countless dedicated and respected officers and civilians. I will always be grateful for a 38 year career the town of Orange has afforded me.”
Lundgren said he is thankful for the support of the Selectboard, town administrator, Finance Committee, other departments and the public throughout his years as chief. He pledged to assist the town in transitioning and finding a new police chief “in any way you feel would be beneficial.”
Selectboard Vice Chairwoman Jane Peirce said the town should draft a letter wishing Lundgren the best of luck and expressing “sincere thanks and gratitude for everything he’s done for us.”
The intermunicpal agreement to share a police chief between Orange and Athol — in which Athol pays Orange $5,382.79 a month and 50 percent of all maintenance and repair costs for the unmarked Orange police cruiser the chief drives — had a deadline of March 30 for renewal, and included opt-out language for both towns.
Lundgren has spent 50 percent of his time during the work week in Athol since being sworn in. Athol has been without a full-time police chief since Aug. 10, when acting Police Chief Timothy Anderson left the position. Anderson had come out of retirement to fill the position on a temporary basis after Athol Police Chief Russell Kleber was placed on paid administrative leave July 16. Kleber officially announced his resignation in September, which will take effect on May 31, following an extended leave of absence that was never fully explained to the public.
Reach David McLellan at dmclellan@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 268.