<p>Edgartown police chief David Rossi is stepping down after more than 25 years with the Edgartown police department following a recent heart attack. Lieut. Christopher Dolby has been named the acting chief while the town searches for Mr. Rossi's replacement.</p>
Edgartown police chief David Rossi is stepping down after more than 25 years with the Edgartown police department following a recent heart attack.
Edgartown selectmen Monday approved Mr. Rossi’s request to begin the process of disability retirement. He is now on injury leave and will not return to work, town officials said.
Selectmen approved Mr. Rossi’s recommendation to make Lieut. Christopher Dolby the acting police chief until a new chief is appointed. Selectman Margaret Serpa recused herself from the votes because she is related to Mr. Rossi.
Mr. Rossi had a heart attack on Nov. 17, he told selectmen. He went to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and had further tests and procedures done in Boston, including having a stent put in.
“It was kind of an amusement park ride for me for four or five days,” he told selectmen, dressed in plain clothes instead of his police uniform.
He recommended Lieutenant Dolby to serve as acting chief until a successor is named. “Chris Dolby is the guy,” he said. “He’s done every job that we have in this department. Nobody understands the operation better than him.”
Lieutenant Dolby said he would serve as acting chief for as long as needed, but he was not ready to take on the role permanently.
“I’ll see it through as long as necessary,” he said. “It’s not the right timing for me....maybe down the road someday.”
He thanked Mr. Rossi for the opportunity to work with him. Lieutenant Dolby’s first summer as a traffic officer was Mr. Rossi’s first summer with the police department. “We’ve worked together for an awfully long time,” he said.
Mr. Rossi said there is no clear path for the next chief if Lieutenant Dolby does not want the job. “He’d be my recommendation for that,” he said. He agreed to help selectmen set up an small committee to guide the town through the process of creating an assessment of the department and coming up with recommendations for the next chief.
“I think we’ve tied up some loose ends today as far as this transition is concerned,” selectman chairman Art Smadbeck said. “David, you’re staying involved. And Chris...fortunately for us you have all the credentials and criteria for being the acting chief.
He added: “From where we sit and all the interactions we’ve had, I agree with the chief that definitely you could do this job.”
Selectman Michael Donaroma thanked Mr. Rossi. “We’re sorry to see you go, but happy to see you here,” he said.
“I’m glad to be here,” Mr. Rossi said.
Mr. Rossi told the Gazette that he’s beginning a long rehabilitation process. “It took a lot out of me,” he said, and he is limited to walking small distances. In the future, he said, he hopes to be back at the YMCA.
Stepping down unexpectedly was an easy decision, he said. “It was a no-brainer for me. Family, then job. Both are important, but not as important as my family.”
“I’m expecting my first grandchild in January,” he added. “I want to be around for that.”
Mr. Rossi was named to the top post at the police department two and a half years ago, following the retirement of former Chief Antone Bettencourt.
Chief Rossi’s brother, Daniel Rossi, is the chief of police in West Tisbury. He recently announced his retirement, as did Chief Daniel Hanavan in Vineyard Haven.
Comments
A total class act... from
Never in trouble Martha's vineyardA total class act... from start to finish. Always out on the street talking to people, the men and women in his department and an all around asset to town.
It runs in the family.
It totally runs in the family
Ben Merrill VermontIt totally runs in the family...his Dad Bill (from Dale Dorman and Bill Rossi fame) came all the way from WRKO in Boston to put on a dance for us at MVRHS. Still remember what a regular guy he was...
I can think of other types of
Ann Floyd EdgartownI can think of other types of “amusement park rides” I’d rather David to have chosen! Heal quickly then stay healthy and strong, David.
David you are a good man and
Laura Bryant ChilmarkDavid you are a good man and I am so sorry you have to go through this but I believe prayer and the love of your family and friends will help you heal! Sending you love and hugs! God bless you and your family!
Be - Strong, Chief David
Ewell Hopkins Oak BluffsBe - Strong, Chief David Rossi. Feel the warm embrace of all who love you. The community is grateful for your service.
Take care of yourself David.
Phil Smith AlaskaTake care of yourself David. I want to see you again on Isle.
Congratulations and it was a
John Whittle ChathamCongratulations and it was a pleasure going through the academy with such a nice and sincere professional person.
Time to enjoy the rest of your life
Very glad to hear you are on
Mike Marcus West TisburyVery glad to hear you are on the mend!!
The best is yet to come so stay focused on health, family and friends. Much love Bro;)
Dear Chef Rossi, Welcome to
Herb Foster EdgartownDear Chef Rossi, Welcome to the stent brigade. Your police training and great family will help you with your rehab, diet, and exercise. Your fellow officers, friends, and neighbors will be around cheering you on and walking with you and perhaps offer a prayer or two for your complete recovery. Thank you also for your long years of service and leadership to our Edgartown community.
So very sorry to hear of you
Barbara Philli Pl s EdgartownSo very sorry to hear of you having to step down David. You have always been a class act, and have done a wonderful and caring job as our Chief! I wish only the best for you and Ann. Congratulations on your new grandchild arriving soon! And Chris will do Edgartown proud as well. Good luck, and thank you David.
Congratulations ,Dave Rossi !
Alfred E Badger Oak Bluffs massCongratulations ,Dave Rossi ! The manner in which you approach your respective position was wonderful to observe from a former school administrator point of view. You learned to listen ! Thank you ,for your service,and enjoy your grandchildren and retirement .
David,
David G VH & FLDavid,
It is a blessing to have the second chance to make a choice. Over the 40 yrs that I have known you and your family, I have had nothing but respect for you all and your decision making. Once again, making the right decision of family over career at this point in your life sets a great example of the appropriate priorities. Wishing you a speedy recovery so I can see you coming out of morning exercise classes with Ann at the Y!
Best always...
P.S. Chris seems very competent and committed, hopefully he reconsiders and expresses interest in the full-time role as Chief...
Chief Rossi, Welcome to the
Herb Foster EdgartownChief Rossi, Welcome to the stent brigade. Your police training and great family will help you with your rehab, diet, and exercise. Your fellow officers, friends, and neighbors will be around cheering you on and walking with you and perhaps offer a prayer or two for your complete recovery. Thank you also for your long years of service and leadership to our Edgartown community.
Get well soon.
Candy Nichols EdgartownGet well soon.
David, I'm glad you have a
Bill MacKenty Warsaw, PolandDavid, I'm glad you have a second chance. Your service to our town and island community should be lauded. Now, as hard as it will be, take a break and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Wishing you a speedy recovery
tom dresser Oak BluffsWishing you a speedy recovery, Dave.
Hope to see you back in spinning class before too long.
And welcome to the world of retirement; you'll find it's a great experience.
All the best,
Joyce and Tom
Well wishes David. I will
Dawn Amancio SturbridgeWell wishes David. I will always be indebted for how you helped me. I’m sure it will be a hard shoe to fill.
Our thoughts and prayers to
The Kelly Family CTOur thoughts and prayers to you for a speedy and thorough recovery. You could not be in better hands with your lovely wife Ann and the close knit island family.
Prayers for your speedy
Barbara & Tom Edgartown & Bedford NHPrayers for your speedy recovery! Will miss you in Spinning class -
Happy Holidays to you and Ann and family.
Stay well!
I'll miss seeing your
Secret AdmirerI'll miss seeing your handsome self in uniform.
Wishing you happiness and good health in the years to come. Thank you for your service to the island. Many Blessings ✨✨
Well done Chief you deserve
Tom Taylor EdgartownWell done Chief you deserve the rest
Get well soon Chief. You have
ken m sanibel fl &edgartown MaGet well soon Chief. You have been a great ambassador for Edgartown. "Chief Dolby" sure has a pleasant ring to it. Let,s hope it becomes permanent.
David you have served your
Gina Bagnall Lincoln Niantic, CT and EdgartownDavid you have served your town long enough and you are wise to put family first !! Second chances bring a lot of gratitude and wisdom so make the best of both as I know you will !! Great seeing you and Ann at Don's party and always remember my best wishes and prayers are with you !! XOXO
David,
Coach Schofield VHDavid,
Welcome to the world of retirement, a vastly underrated concept. It is better than you think it is. Just take care of your body as there is only one per customer. I believe that our Lord singled you out for your role in law enforcement and now He will have you in a bigger role as fulltime husband, dad, and grandfather.
Yet another MVRHS student we are proud of...
Once again, very proud of our MVRHS students.
The entire Smith family will
Linda smith EdgartownThe entire Smith family will miss you big time..you are the total best and we thank you thank you ...special love and prayers
So shocked to hear the news!
Tom & Barbara Edgartown & Palm DesartSo shocked to hear the news! Barbara & I both wish you a Full & Speedy recovery. We expect to see you next to Ann in spinning class when we return to the Island in May.
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