ATHOL — Ronny R. Cote is now the permanent lieutenant of the Athol Police Department. Town Manager Shaun Suhoski announced the change during the selectboard meeting earlier this week. “I’ve removed a title from acting lieutenant Cote’s title,” quipped Suhoski, “he is no longer acting, and will be filling that role on a permanent basis.”
Lt. Cote had been promoted to acting lieutenant on Aug. 1. Chief Russell Kleber had been placed on administrative leave and retired police chief Timothy Anderson was hired as temporary acting chief from July 17 through August 10. The promotion of Cote to acting lieutenant provided a clear chain of command following the departure of Anderson. Kleber remains on leave and Lt. Cote continues to handle the day-to-day command of the department operations and administration.
Lt. Cote has more than 31 years of experience including 12 years as a patrol officer and nearly two decades as Detective before a recent promotion to sergeant. He has received 19 letters of commendation, two distinguished service awards, a Massachusetts State Police Division Commander’s Commendation and a Medal of Merit.
In 2014 Lt. Cote was named the town of Athol’s Employee of the Year and has been active in town business. He has conducted Department Head meetings; participated in pre-development meetings; met with the Director of Planning and Development, staff from DHCD’s downtown initiative and staff from MassDevelopment to discuss downtown planning and potential strategies. He has also participated in discussions with police, fire and dispatch management and personnel regarding staffing needs relative to call volume and radio transmission activity at central dispatch.