Leonard announces retirement from Berwick chief's post

BERWICK – Police Chief David S. Leonard Sr. told the Town Council on Tuesday that he will retire from the post Nov. 22.

“It’s been an honor to serve this community,” Leonard told the council.

Leonard has served as police chief since his appointment Jan. 8, 2019.

Leonard, a Berwick native, began his career in public service as a 16-year-old working with the Volunteer Fire Department.

Originally hired as a police officer by then-Chief Ovay Rogers, Leonard has worked in the Police Department for 38 years.

From 2004 until his appointment as chief, Leonard was assistant chief to James Richard, who is now a Town Council member.

On the night Leonard was named chief in 2019, he was joined at a Town Council meeting by four other chiefs: Rogers; Duval Arthur, who is now the mayor; Richard; and Nolan Brashear.

“This will always be my home,” Leonard said. “I’ll always be a phone call away.”

Councilman Kevin Hebert said he hopes Leonard will be available to make chili on Christmas movie night, which Leonard said may involve a secret recipe.

“We’ll discuss that,” he replied.