“I will always owe a debt of gratitude to a community that had faith in a young officer”
From Chief James Rumfelt,
In October I advised the Andover Village board of my pending retirement. It was with great difficulty that I made the decision to step down and hand off the leadership of the Andover Police Department. I have spent several sleepless nights making this decision but I feel in my heart that it is the best decision for my health and for the community.
I would like to thank the seven different mayors and many trustees that had faith in me and trusted my judgement to lead the department. I would also like to thank the citizens of Andover for all of your support over the last 30 plus years, without you I wouldn’t be here today. I came to Andover in 1994 as a 23 year old with about a year of patrol experience and Andover molded me into the officer that I have become. Chief James Cicirello called me into his office on a Friday back in 1993 when I was just about to start my 4-12 dispatch shift. Chief Cicirello informed me that I would be starting the academy on Monday and that he had confidence that I would make a great police officer. I owe my career to Chief Cicirello.
My last day was originally set as March 9 as that was symbolic as March 9, 1994 was my first day in Andover. However the board asked me to stay on and lead the department through the July 4 and Bicentennial celebration this year and I agreed.
I have been humbled by the support I have received over the years and by the numerous community members that have tried to talk me into staying. I do not know what my future holds but I do know I will always owe a debt of gratitude to a community that had faith in a young officer.
Thank you Andover for all the love and memories.
