Newton Police Chief Steps Down After 4-Month Health Leave Of Absence

(EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated at 4:30 p.m. on Friday to include Chief Carmichael's statement on stepping down as police chief due to health reasons.)

NEWTON, MA — Newton Police Chief John Carmichael, who was appointed in June 2021 and took a leave of absence for personal reasons in May, said on Friday he was stepping down from the position effective immediately.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller made the announcement earlier Friday afternoon, adding that she has "great respect for Chief Carmichael and deep gratitude for his service to the Newton Police Department and our community."

Carmichael came to Newton as its 19th chief of police having previously served as the police chief in Walpole.

Carmichael said on Friday that his leave of absence was because of health reasons and that "after much reflection" he has decided to step down permanently "to focus on my health, family and other opportunities."

"It has been an incredible honor and privilege to be part of what I consider the noblest profession," he said in a statement provided to Patch. "Throughout my career, I've led hundreds of officers and ascended the ranks of the profession by embracing the philosophy of 21st Century Policing. From my early days on patrol to becoming a police chief, I've solved crimes, dismantled drug organizations, created innovative community engagement programs, managed critical incidents, and worked hard to build trust in the communities I've served.

"The city of Newton is extremely fortunate to have such a high caliber of talented, selfless, and compassionate people, ready and willing to serve their community with utmost distinction and professionalism. I consider myself blessed to have had the chance to work alongside some exceptional people and lead the best humanity has to offer."

Fuller credited Carmichael with increasing community engagement and implementing recommendations of the Newton Police Reform Task Force "to prioritize 21st Century Policing that would be effective here in Newton."

"Chief Carmichael included both uniform and civilian staff in his thinking," Fuller said. "He
worked on many fronts to support employee wellness and mental health and to help them grow in their positions. He expanded upon officer wellness through Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and by updating a fitness space in police headquarters for all staff.

"With his deep respect for the First Amendment, constitutional and civil rights, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of the laws and principles of policing, Chief Carmichael helped our city navigate many challenges by enforcing laws in a compassionate and respectful manner"

Fuller said she is grateful to Acting Chief George McMains for taking on extra responsibilities since Carmichael's leave of absence.

"He is an effective, exemplary and selfless leader," she said.

Fuller said she has begun the process of filling the permanent police chief position in accordance with the city's special legislation process.