The Town of Hamilton has selected Edward J. Guy III as its next Police Chief.
Guy is currently the Executive Officer of the Andover Police Department, the second in command.
His selection follows a five-phase search process, including an assessment team of four chiefs from similar communities evaluating the candidates about on-the-job challenges. It also included a meet and greet with Select Board members and a final interview by Town Manager Joseph J. Domelowicz Jr. and Select Board Chairwoman Caroline Beaulieu before the Select Board vote in the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library meeting room on Monday, March 31.
Guy was chosen from three finalists and a total of 15 applicants. The Select Board unanimously approved his appointment.
Beaulieu said Guy emerged as the top choice from an exceptional group of candidates.
“It wasn’t just about skills,” she said. “It was about the current force, the future of the force, where the town is now, where the town will be in the future, and finding somebody who had a very unique set of leadership skills, experience, time on the force, and mentorship capabilities.”
Guy will succeed Chief Russell Stevens, who is retiring after serving Hamilton for nearly 16 years. Stevens’ 41-year law enforcement career also included serving as Chief of Staff to the Colonel of the Connecticut State Police. Under Stevens’ leadership, the Hamilton Police Department received state accreditation for the first time, and Stevens strengthened the training program and fostered regional law enforcement cooperation.
Stevens is the President of the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission and Past President of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.
“I’ve made it known that I would not leave the town, the department, or its residents to someone I feel would not serve them in the manner that I would expect,” Stevens said on Monday in support of Guy’s selection. “Being a police chief in a small town is also about the fit and I personally believe that Ed Guy possesses the knowledge, skill set and demeanor and is the right fit for the position.”
Guy has 30 years of law enforcement experience and has served in supervisory positions since March 2008 and in command positions since August 2013. He holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Western New England College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 263rd Session.
“My policing experience, supported by my training, education, and police management background, makes me an excellent fit,” Guy said in his application. “My commitment to high ethical standards, progressive thinking and striving for continual improvement, has led to several leadership roles during my career.”
He started as an officer in Methuen in 1995 and moved to Andover police in 2004, where today he is leader of the Operations Division. He has also served as the Support Services Division Commander and Shift Commander. He led the department’s reaccreditation efforts in 2012 and 2016, and the creation of the Community Support Unit.
“I feel very strongly about being able to go in and be able to meet the people here — be able to listen to them, listen to you, and see what it is that you need to make sure that your police department is run effectively and efficiently,” Guy told the Select Board prior to its vote.
Guy will lead Hamilton’s full-service, accredited police department, which serves the town’s 8,000 residents. Guy will manage the department resources, personnel, equipment, and budget. Guy is expected to begin following a successful psychological, medical and background investigation plus final contract negotiations.
Pay for the position was advertised at $170,000 to $181,000, and Guy’s pay will be determined following final contract negotiations.
Edward J. Guy III:
Currently: Executive Officer, Andover Police Department
Experience: 30 years in law enforcement, more than 20 years with the Andover Police Department
Graduate: FBI National Academy, 263rd Session
Master of Science, Western New England College, 2003
Bachelor of Science, Western New England College, 2001
Career Highlights:
Led the Andover Police Department to re-accreditation in 2012 and 2016
Oversaw the creation of the Community Support Unit
Served as Deputy Emergency Management Director for the Town of Andover
Instituted safety protocols for all personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic
