CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday voted to suspend police operations in the town of 1,700 at the end of shift on Friday.

 

That's when Police Chief Michael Williams will retire after 40 years on the force, the last 21 as chief. 

 

Officials have been debating for weeks about the future of the Police Department, which has declined at this point to Williams and a single part-time officer. 

 

"I think we have to transition to State Police," said board member Colton Andrews. 

 

Fellow member Daniel Haskins agreed: "I don't see any alternatives at the moment."

 

Officials had researched several options: hire a new chief, contract with North Adams, or depend on State Police, as do a number of other small towns. 

 

"North Adams was not feasible," said Chair Robert Norcross.