Claremont
Scott said he plans to retire on Feb. 3 and begin working in Concord on Feb. 6.
“I am excited for a new challenge and new opportunity,” said Scott, who has been the Claremont chief for 13½ years, in a Thursday night phone interview. He said he has received a conditional offer to “work in the criminal division of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.”
Police commission Chairwoman Alison Raymond said the commission unanimously appointed Chase to be Scott’s successor after the longtime chief announced his impending retirement at the commission’s meeting on Wednesday evening.
“I think this puts us in a good place,” Raymond said on Thursday night of Chase’s appointment.
Scott, 47, said Chase’s “commitment, work ethic and integrity are above reproach” and his appointment will make for a “smooth transition.”
The 48-year-old Chase was born and raised in Claremont. He previously was with the Claremont police department for a spell, then worked in Lebanon before returning to the Claremont force 12 years ago as a sergeant.
“I’m excited and I look forward to it,” Chase said in a phone interview on Thursday night. “I think I am up to the challenge and I’m going to do the best I can.”
City Manager Guy Santagate, who himself is retiring on Dec. 31, said Scott took over a department that was in need of change and readily handled the challenge.
“We had our differences, but we always worked them out in a civil manner,” Santagate said. “The attorney general will be getting a good man. He is well-respected.”
Before coming to Claremont, Scott, who has a law degree, was an assistant attorney for Sullivan County.
He began his law enforcement career with the Claremont Police Department in 1989, became a full-time officer in 1992 and then left the department in 1995 to attend law school.
When he returned to the city force, he was at its helm.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
