Supervisor: Overton's Replacement Will Come from Within Department

Under Civil Service law, the town board must replace outgoing town police Chief James P. Overton from within the police department, town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst said in a statement to the press Monday afternoon.

But the chief's replacement has yet to be determined, she added.

Overton is the town's highest paid employee, according to the town's 2011 operating budget. He was slated to receive $166,661 in salary in 2011.

It was revealed to the public Monday morning that Overton will  after 43 years with the , including 21 years as chief. According to a statement from police Captain Anthony Tenaglia, Overton informed department employees of his decision on Sunday after letting the town board know in February.

 “The public can be assured the town board will work closely with its police department to ensure a smooth transition,” Throne-Holst said. She thanked Overton for his service to the town and said she knew he had been contemplating retirement for months.

"After working for more than four decades to protect and maintain the high quality-of-life in our community, the chief’s retirement is certainly well earned," she said. "I wish him and his family the very best in the next chapter of their lives."