Fired Gloucester police chief allowed to retire instead

The chief of Gloucester Police reached an agreement with city officials this week, allowing him to retire at the beginning of next year rather than be fired.

Chief Leonard Campanello will remain on paid leave until he retires on Jan. 3, 2017, according to Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken.

Campanello, who was once praised by the White House for his work on fighting opiate addiction in his city, was placed on administrative leave last month, for reasons related to “disturbing allegations” concerning “certain aspects” of his relationships with women, Theken said last month.

Following that investigation, he was fired Monday, after officials said they had evidence he tampered with relevant to the investigation, including a city-issued cellphone which he allegedly erased.

“The mayor believes that the mutual agreement will help move the City of Gloucester forward from this unfortunate situation, and she thanks the former chief for his service,” a statement from the mayor’s office said.

The agreement also ensures that no other court actions will move forward, and that this arrangement is the final decision between the two parties.

In a statement, Campanello told reporters it was “an extraordinarily difficult time for myself, and my family.”

“I am overwhelmingly proud of the police department’s achievements and look forward to new opportunities in changing the way law enforcement and other entities deal with those they serve in a non-judgmental and empathetic way,” he said.

“Addiction is just one piece of the puzzle. We must do more and I plan to devote all of my attention toward that conversation.”

Acting Chief John McCarthy will continue to lead the department, officials said.