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Saturday, June 16, 2007

Police chief planning to retire, change careers

‘It’s good to go out on a high note’

OXFORD— Police Chief Charles K. Noyes came to Oxford at the worst of times and will be leaving in the best of times.

Chief Noyes, 57, informed selectmen and fellow police officers Thursday that he will retire July 29.

“I could stay, but it’s good to go out on a high note,” he said.


While he is leaving public service, he said he plans to work for a “public safety software firm in the New England area.” He also hopes to spend time with family, including his wife of 36 years, Susan M. Noyes, a registered nurse at Harrington Memorial Hospital, and his grown children, Wendy Noyes, a police officer in Bourne, and Karen Martino, a pilot who lives in Killingworth, Conn., with her husband, James Martino, and sons James and Charlie.

“I’m changing professions. I have a lot of life left in me. I tried to get the Virgin Islands territory, but it was not available,” he said, joking with the easy humor that has endeared him to so many Oxford residents.

There was nothing funny about morale at the Police Department when Chief Noyes came to town in 1997, taking over from his embattled predecessor, James B. Triplett.

Mr. Triplett, a lawyer, was found guilty of obstruction of justice, a misdemeanor, in September 1995. The conviction was overturned in 1997. In 1996, Mr. Triplett had been fined $2,000 for three civil violations of appearance of conflict of interest. After a string of appeals, the state Supreme Judicial Court decided in July 2002 to deny Mr. Triplett’s request for further appellate review of the state Appeals Court decision upholding his demotion and termination.

In the midst of all this, on Nov. 18, 1997, Mr. Noyes was named the town’s new police chief.

Selectman John G. Saad, who was chairman of the board at the time, said yesterday, “Chief Noyes was what we needed — an outside, independent person who came in and did an excellent job.”

Mr. Saad said he was surprised by Chief Noyes’ retirement, but said, “I have every confidence in the staff down there. Hopefully, we can make a promotion from within the department. We have qualified individuals.”

Jennie L. Caissie, chairwoman of the board, was a member of the board that hired Mr. Noyes. She said, “He was the right man for the town at the right time. He will be sorely missed as a chief and as a friend. If he has an opportunity in the private sector, we wish him well.”

For his replacement, she said she would like to “consider internal promotion, at least on a temporary basis. We have some very talented and qualified people.”

Chief Noyes will suggest possible replacements, she said, adding, “I’ll give deference to his recommendations.”

Four sergeants are on the force in Oxford who might be eligible to become the next Civil Service chief: Michael J. Boss, Michael C. Hassett, Anthony P. Saad and Robert M. Green.

Selectman Susan M. Gallant said, “Through Chief Noyes’ work in the Police Department, I feel the transition to a new chief will go very smoothly. I am truly sorry he is leaving. He has been very community-oriented and has worked well with our senior citizens. I wish him the best of luck in his new position.”

Chief Noyes said he started “wearing a badge and carrying a gun” when he was 18 years old and a security policeman in the U.S. Air Force. After four years’ service, he joined the Bourne Police Department, where he worked 25 years, first as a summer patrol officer, then dispatcher, police officer, detective and sergeant.

“Serving as chief in Oxford was the culmination of a 34-year law enforcement career. I achieved the goal I set for myself to become a police chief. I believe this department provides quality service,” he said.

Acting Town Manager Joseph M. Zeneski said, “I’ve enjoyed working with Chief Noyes. He did a good job. He will be hard to replace.”

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