PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After almost a year without a permanent police chief, Pittsfield is moving forward with a familiar face. 

“I’m proud to announce Thomas C. Dawley II will serve as our next permanent police chief,” said Mayor Peter Marchetti.

Thomas Dawley will now serve as the chief of police after being interim police chief since July of last year. 

Dawley was born and raised in Pittsfield and has been a part of the Pittsfield Police Department since 2002, even serving as the detective bureau captain. 

He wants people to know his door is always open.

Dawley says he wants to fully staff the department, engage with his community and address mental health issues.

He says he originally hesitated to become the permanent chief but is honored to be taking on the role.

“I had no aspirations to be a chief but just the drive from the community, my department members and some of the stakeholders in the city really pushed me to do this, and I am honored and I am humbled to take this position and to lead the Pittsfield Police Department,” said Dawley.

Dawley takes over after the retirement of former police chief, Michael Wynn.