Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone announced he is retiring hours after being put on paid leave, according to Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett.

Pistone is leaving the job after months of public criticism involving the department’s handling of recent crises, including the unexpected death of a police officer.

The officers’ union passed a no confidence vote in the chief.

In a statement, Barret wrote, “I have been informed of the unions’ no-confidence votes and respect their right to weigh in on the leadership of the police department. After meeting with representatives of the superior officers’ and patrol officers’ unions on Tuesday, October 7, I took action to place Chief Pistone on paid administrative leave. In the interim, he requested personal leave. This afternoon, (Thursday, Octob

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