Police Chief on Medical Leave

ROWLEY — While Police Chief Scott Dumas is on medical leave, the SelectBoard has named department veteran Stephen May to head the town’s police force temporarily.
Dumas informed Town Administrator Deborah Egan on April 10 that he would be on medical leave. The reason for the medical leave has not been made public. The SelectBoard met the following day in an emergency meeting to follow the chief’s recommendation to appoint May.
May retired seven years ago after joining the department in 1988. His last position as executive officer/lieutenant assigned him to supervise all officers and civilian personnel. When the chief was absent, he assumed all of his responsibilities.
Working with his son, Stephen May Jr., he is president of Stephen W. May LLC, his own corporate and municipal training firm. The firm offers a variety of trainings, including police training.
At Tuesday’s meeting, chairman Clifford Pierce said May would be paid $59.33 an hour and receive non-union police officer benefits, including an education stipend. He will be given a uniform and police vehicle immediately.
May returns to the department at a time when the officers have submitted a no-confidence letter in Dumas.
Union president John Raffi said Dumas has created a toxic environment due to a shortage of manpower that has resulted in an unprecedented amount of order-ins and day-off denials.