By STEPHEN BEALE
Union Leader Correspondents
 

GOFFSTOWN - Police Chief Michael French announced on Monday that he will be retiring, effective April 1 of this year.

“Personally and professionally it is time,” French said. “I have had the opportunity to work with the best people in law enforcement who definitely know what service to the public means, and who strive every day to provide that service, often under difficult circumstances. The members of the department are first-rate, and the Town of Goffstown is fortunate to have them.”

French has been in law enforcement for 34 years, all in Goffstown, and has been the police chief for the previous nine. “It’s a great loss,” said Town Administrator Sue Desruisseaux. “He will definitely be missed.”

During his time with the department, French was instrumental in getting it accredited with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. He also had a hand in getting the Community Emergency Response Team, known as CERT, going in town, according to selectman Phil D’Avanza. 

D’Avanza especially praised French for his leadership during the 100-year floods of 2006 and 2007. “That was a challenge. “That was something that would test anybody.”

Desruisseaux said the board of selectmen has yet to decide how it will find a replacement. She said the town historically has been successful in finding candidates for the position from within the department.

French said he hoped the community policing and problem-solving approach to law enforcement that the department and town have embraced will continue after he leaves.

“There are several members in the department who embrace this accepted style of policing that would be excellent leaders for the department into the future, so I hope the selection process remains in-house,” he said in a written message.

The retirement of French will complete a shift in the leadership of the department. Last year, Captain Glenn DuBois retired and was replaced by Michael Sullivan, who at the time was a police lieutenant in Goffstown.

French did not disclose any immediate plans he has for the future, except to say that he intends to still work as the resident director of Exceptional Citizen’s Week at Camp Fatima in Gilmanton. He said he also wants to spend more quality time with family and friends.

Reproduced by the Goffstown Residents Association.