There's a New Sheriff in Town

Tom Bowler gives his victory speech at the Crowne Plaza.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Tom Bowler became the county's first new sheriff in 32 years on Tuesday night.

Bowler, a Pittsfield Police detective and one-time assistant deputy superintendent at the House of Correction trounced North County's longtime state representative Daniel Bosley.

Bowler was greeted by more than 200 supporters at his victory party for sheriff at the Crowne Plaza. The crowd cheered enthusiastically as the returns came in. Not surprisingly, the Pittsfield native was supported by his city, which cast 5,070 ballots in his favor against Daniel Bosley, who polled 1,717.

Bosley was hoping for low turnout in Pittsfield to catch the detective by powering out of North County. But Bowler bit deep into Bosley's territory and Pittsfield made up for its sluggish start in the afternoon and evening hours, with about a 26 percent turnout.

North Adams stuck by Bosley, handing him 1,630 votes to Bowler's 1,035 but Adams went blue.  Bowler picked up 1,064 to Bosley's 878.

Bowler continued to roll up towns throughout the county. South County turnout was extremely low, indicative of the few races on the ballot there.

Bowler thanked his supporters and mentioned the many friendships he'd made during the long campaign.

"There has been a change in our community. The drug dealers and violence eat at the heart of our community," he said. "But there's a new sheriff in town."

He praised his family and friends for their support and said he'd instill the office of sheriff with fairness and integrity. "I'm going to lead the only way I know how — by example."

More than 200 supporters gathered at Bowler's election party at the Crowne Plaza on Tuesday night.