SALEM — After 33 years of service with the Salem police department, Police Chief Mary Butler announced her retirement from the force Monday morning.
“It has been an honor and privilege to work for the city of Salem and the Salem police department for 33 years,” Butler said in a statement released by the city. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Kimberley Driscoll for her confidence in me, the City Council for their support and the residents of Salem for sharing their feedback, praise and yes criticism. We honestly cannot work in partnership without it.”
Butler joined the department in 1987 and after serving as acting captain and commanding officer of the special operations division was appointed chief by Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll in 2015.
“Throughout her career, Chief Butler has demonstrated the utmost professionalism in her approach to policing and true leadership in the department,” Driscoll said in a statement released by the city. “Salem and our police department have been well served by Chief Butler.”
Butler’s retirement comes at a time where several departments in Massachusetts have also seen their chiefs end their careers recently. Revere interim Chief James Guido also announced his retirement, and communities like Newton and Framingham have also seen their chiefs retire.
The moves come at a time where law enforcement departments across the country have had to confront the demands for change regarding racial injustice in America.
“At a time when policing in this nation is under a high degree of scrutiny, Chief Butler has never deviated from her belief that the role of the police officer is to serve all, protect all, and lead with integrity,” Driscoll said in her statement.
Captain Dennis King will become the acting chief of the Salem Police Department during the search process and until Driscoll appoints a new permanent chief.
Butler will become the director of security at the Peabody Essex Museum, a role that safeguards the museum’s facilities and collections and plays a role in enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening the museum’s ties with the community.
