Crime & Safety
Chief Set to Retire, Position is Advertised
Beverly Police Chief Mark Ray will retire on Friday after six years at the helm of the Beverly Police Department.
Last week, in his final appearance before the City Council, Ray summarized some of the police department's accomplishments during his tenure. Some of his speech can be seen in the attached videos clips.
Mayor Bill Scanlon has named Captain Chris Negrotti as the acting chief following Ray's retirement, and a job description for the chief's job has already been posted on the city website. The deadline for applications in Sept. 30.
The City Council also offered a resolution to honor Ray, which reads as follows:
Whereas: Mark A. Ray was born and raised in Beverly, and attended Beverly Schools; and
Whereas: Mark A. Ray served our country in the United States Army, including two tours of duty overseas, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel in the United States Army National Guard; and
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Whereas: Mark A. Ray became a Patrolman with the Beverly Police Department 28 years ago; and
Whereas: Mark A. Ray rose through the ranks, and was named Police Chief in 2007, with responsibility for the Police, Harbormaster, Animal Services, and Parking functions of the Department: and
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Whereas: Mark A. Ray promoted the concept of Community Policing, including Bike Patrols, Directed Patrols, and School Resource Officers, getting police officers out of their patrol cars and into direct, positive interactions with citizens of our community; and
Whereas: Mark A. Ray strengthened the Community Advisory Council, a group of citizen volunteers and police officers who meet monthly to work together on issues of concern to the community, including graffiti removal, parking and traffic, and substance abuse, and also to recognize annually police officers and others who go “above and beyond” their normal responsibilities to enhance the quality of life in our community; and
Whereas: Mark A. Ray has been a strong advocate for our Domestic Violence Unit, earning recognition on two occasions from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and a congratulatory visit to this Chamber by the First Lady of the Commonwealth, Diane Patrick; and
Whereas: Mark A. Ray has worked to improve conditions in our old police station, overseeing renovations to the Dispatch and public area to increase efficiency, security and communications capabilities, while working toward the day when we will have a modern, properly designed and equipped station, and also pushing for certification and accreditation of the Department; and
Whereas: Mark A. Ray has announced his retirement, effective next Friday, September 13, 2013;
NOW THEREFORE: The Mayor and the City Council of the City of Beverly extend our heartfelt thanks and respect for a long and successful career serving our citizens, and wish him and his family much happiness, good health, and success in whatever future endeavors he may undertake, and that the City Clerk will spread a copy of this Resolution upon the City Records.
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