EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Scott Allen announces that he will be retiring in February after a 25-year career in law enforcement.
He has served as the East Bridgewater Chief of Police for the past three and a half years.
“It has been my privilege to have been able to serve the residents of East Bridgewater for the past twenty-five years with the East Bridgewater Police Department,” Chief Allen said. “I am especially proud to have served with the men and women of the East Bridgewater Police Department, our neighboring police departments and all those who have shared our goals and mission. I now look forward to moving onto other professional goals utilizing the experiences and many valuable lessons that I have gained along the way.”
As Chief of Police, Chief Allen has lead the department into the 21st century of policing by achieving many milestones and improvements. This includes improving the department’s infrastructure by hiring the department’s first-ever second in command, Deputy Chief Paul O’Brien.
Under Chief Allen’s leadership, the department has improved police services for the East Bridgewater community, including using technology to enhance operations and improving firearms licensing, public records and other administrative processes. The department has developed a professional civilian dispatch center to help keep more officers out on the street. The department has also remained committed to providing the best investigative services possible through its commitment to the local W.E.B. Task Force and participation on a state and federal drug task force.
Chief Allen would like to thank the members of the East Bridgewater capital and finance committees for their support in assisting the East Bridgewater Police Department in enhancing infrastructure through the 2016 station renovation project and current stand-alone police station garage. These projects would not have been possible without the support of both committees over the past few years.
One of Chief Allen’s proudest accomplishments is increasing the department’s engagement in community policing events, including initiatives with the East Bridgewater School District and events such as Coffee with a Cop, Citizen and Student Police Academies, Rad Kids, Bicycle Rodeos and Fist Bump Fridays.
The continued and ongoing commitment to the East Bridgewater School District has been a significant priority during Chief Allen’s time leading the department.
“Adding a second, assisting school resource officer has come at a critically important time within our community as many of our students and families struggle with the challenges in today’s society,” Chief Allen said. “Our innovative Kid In Need program will continue to ensure that we are identifying and assisting our community’s at risk children in collaboration with our school partners and community resource organizations. It has been an honor to have such a great working relationship with Superintendent Legault, Dr. Williams, each of the school principals and their staffs. East Bridgewater is a special community because of this special partnership between our two agencies.”
Through his work with EB HOPE, the local substance use coalition, and Executive Director Susan Silva, Chief Allen also helped to build Plymouth County Outreach, the multi-faceted, proactive county wide program that will continue to assist those suffering from substance use disorders and mental health disorders.
“Today’s most significant challenge in law enforcement across the country, as well as here in East Bridgewater, has and will continue to be assisting those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders,” Chief Allen said. “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to volunteer with EB HOPE since 2012. We have achieved a great deal collectively as a community, police department and local coalition not only here in East Bridgewater, but in what we have created that we are seeing being replicated across the state and country as best practices.”
“I will continue to advocate for those who suffer from these disorders, while also fighting and advocating for the family members and loved ones of those struggling. I will remain committed to helping others create much needed programs across the country that provide and connect those suffering from these disorders to the much-needed resources that can save lives,” Chief Allen added.
Chief Allen would like to thank Town Administrator Brian Noble for his leadership and support and the Town of East Bridgewater Board of Selectmen David Sheedy, William Dowling and Carole Julius for their support. He would also like to thank Superintendent Elizabeth Legault, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Gina Williams, Department of Public Works Director John Haines and Fire Chief Timothy Harhen, along with all East Bridgewater department leaders and town employees. He would additionally like to thank each of his Plymouth County Outreach colleagues and partners, as well as Plymouth County Chiefs of Police, District Attorney Timothy Cruz and Sheriff Joseph McDonald for their partnership and collaboration.
Lastly, Chief Allen would like to thank Deputy Chief Paul O’Brien and Administrative Assistant, Jeanne Bennett, for their significant contributions to the department’s operations and growth, and for their unwavering support.
“Throughout my career, I have been honored to work with many great law enforcement leaders and police officers. I wish each and every one of you a healthy, happy and safe career and I am committed to helping the department transition to a new chief,” Chief Allen said. “Thank you East Bridgewater for your support of our police department.”
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