Chief James P. Overton will retire in April, ending a career that began in 1968.
Overton rose through the ranks from patrol officer, detective, detective sergeant, lieutenant to captain, and finally to chief of police on January 6, 1990, according to a statement prepared by Captain Anthony Tenaglia released Monday.
"His only purpose during his entire career was to serve the people of Southampton Town to the best of his ability," Tenaglia said. "He would not bend to any political pressure and maintained the integrity of his position throughout his entire career."
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Overton notified the Southampton Town Board of his intended retirement during an executive session of the board in February and notified department employees Sunday afternoon, Tenaglia said. His official retirement date is April 16.
"It has been a great run of 43 years and a great town to work for,” Overton was quoted as saying in a statement from the police department.
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"Chief James P. Overton will be missed," Tenaglia added. "He has been an inspirational, dynamic, honest and sincere leader — and a true friend to many of us."
