The Haverhill police chief who was placed on leave amid rising tensions within the department is retiring, the mayor announced, as the police union issued a vote of no confidence in the department’s leadership.

Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone was placed on administrative leave on Tuesday, Mayor Melinda Barrett said, and shortly after, he announced he would retire effective immediately.

Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone. – Haverhill Police Department

“I have accepted his resignation. And while his departure ends a chapter, it is not the end of the story,” Barrett said in a statement Thursday night. “I recognize that the men and women of our police force have faced incredibly difficult circumstances and are grieving for the loss of one of their own. Their health and well-bein

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