ATHOL — Town officials announced in a brief statement late Friday that Police Chief Russell Kleber has resigned.
On Sept. 21, Kleber, who was sworn in as chief on July 12, 2016, and who has been on paid administrative leave since July 16 of this year, submitted a letter to Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski resigning his position with the town effective May 31, 2019.
The decision to resign was difficult, but Kleber and Suhoski, who accepted the resignation, ultimately felt this action was in the best interest of all parties.
During his tenure with the town, Kleber and the department made several strides forward, including restoring a school resource officer, reinstating a K-9 program and instituting a citizen advisory committee. The chief also initiated and presented the America’s KIDS (Keeping Innocents Defended and Safe) program to the public schools and community.
Suhoski stated, “notwithstanding these accomplishments, the parties mutually believed that the fit between Chief Kleber and the Athol Police Department was not sustainable and that all parties would be best served if the Chief resigned his position and sought opportunities elsewhere.”
There are three years remaining on his contract. Kleber will remain on leave through the effective date of his resignation, during which period he will be compensated via a combination of his unused accrued paid leave and paid administrative leave. The town will appoint an acting police chief during the interim period. The town manager and Kleber said they are committed to the success of this transition and the future of the town. Kleber will remain available to assist in the transition as needed.
As this is a personnel matter, town officials said they won’t offer any further comment. Attempts to reach Kleber were unsuccessful prior to press time Friday.
Several residents have been very vocal in voicing their support for Kleber, by writing letters to the editor in the Athol Daily News, and by reading statements to go on record during the public comment segments at recent Athol Selectboard meetings. Members of the Selectboard have declined to discuss the matter.