The Town of Hamilton officially welcomed Edward J. Guy III as its new Chief of Police during a swearing-in ceremony held on Wednesday, June 25, at 10 A.M. at the Hamilton-Wenham Library. Surrounded by local leaders, regional law enforcement officials, his family and members of the public, Chief Guy formally assumed the role and will begin his tenure on July 1.
Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker administered the oath of office. A respected law enforcement leader and former Salem Police Chief, Tucker reflected on the significance of the moment and praised the leadership of both the outgoing and incoming chiefs.
“This ceremony shows the importance of a police chief to the department and to the community,” Tucker said. “It’s an opportunity to look back on Chief Stevens’ career while looking to Chief Guy’s success ahead.”
Chief Guy was joined at the front of the room by Chief Guy’s wife, Christine, and his father, retired Methuen Police Captain Ed Guy Jr., who participated in the badge-pinning ceremony.
Chief Guy succeeds retiring Chief Russell Stevens, whose final day of service is June 30. Stevens, who led the department since 2009 and retires with more than 41 years in law enforcement, served as the master of ceremonies for the event and welcomed guests with a message of gratitude and continuity of community policing.
“Today is a day of both tradition and transition,” Chief Stevens said. “A moment when we officially entrust the leadership of our Police Department to someone who has demonstrated not just competence, but character… not just service, but stewardship.” He added, “I am confident that you will lead with fairness, vision, and unwavering dedication.”
District Attorney Tucker recognized Chief Stevens for a legacy of excellence in policing and mentorship:
“History will record the major accomplishments of Chief Stevens including a major reorganization of the department’s policies and procedures, his leadership statewide on the Accreditation Commission, and his Presidency of the MA Chiefs of Police Association. Equally as important was his mentorship of new chiefs and being highly respected across the Commonwealth. His integrity and moral compass guided his decisions and were a beacon for other police leaders.”
The event included a Presentation of Colors by the Hamilton Police Honor Guard and a performance of the National Anthem by Officer Andrew Neill. Among the audience were members of the Hamilton Select Board, town administrators, police chiefs from across Essex County, and officers from the Andover Police Department, where Chief Guy spent over two decades of his career.
Chief Guy brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, most recently as Executive Officer of the Andover Police Department. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Western New England College. In Andover, he led reaccreditation efforts, created the Community Support Unit, and helped manage public safety through the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his remarks, Chief Guy emphasized his commitment to the community and praised the professionalism of the Hamilton Police Department. “When I asked officers what they thought was the best thing about this department, the unanimous answer was its commitment to the community. That speaks volumes—not just about the department, but about the town it serves.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to the Town Manager Joseph Domelowicz Jr., members of the Hamilton Select Board, his mentors, and his family.
“This is your police department,” he said. “Our mission and values will be shaped in partnership with the community. I’m honored to lead with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.”
DA Tucker concluded his remarks with optimism for the department’s future:
“In selecting Chief Guy, the Town of Hamilton has chosen well. He brings over three decades of leadership, education and experience. As he assumes this position, he will follow a well-worn path of success set by Chief Stevens while forging his own vision to keep the Hamilton Police Department at the forefront of modern law enforcement.”
Chief Guy’s appointment followed a five-phase hiring process that included professional assessments, public engagement, and final interviews with Domelowicz and then-Select Board Chairwoman Caroline Beaulieu. His selection was unanimously approved by the Select Board on March 31.
