Freetown Select Board Appoints New Police Chief, Promotes Four Officers

FREETOWN — June 20, 2023 — Freetown's Select Board appointed Scott M. Rose as the town's new police chief and approved Deborah L. Petty as Town Administrator at its June 20 meeting, capping an evening dominated by police promotions and retirements. Outgoing Chief Carlton E. Abbott Jr., who led the department for 24 years after rising from auxiliary officer in 1992, received a certificate of appreciation and a retirement badge; incoming Chief Rose, a 26-year department veteran with military service and a reputation for community outreach, was sworn in by Town Clerk Cheryl Drinkwine and pinned by his wife Sarah. The board simultaneously swore in three new sergeants — Caitlyn Jones, Nicholas Drinkwine, and Thomas Long — and promoted Benjamin Levesque to lieutenant, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Lt. Stephen E. Abbott. Sergeant Elton Ashley III, who delivered a baby while on duty and served as the department's first EMT, was honored for 35 years of service ahead of his August 1 retirement. Petty's appointment as Town Administrator runs July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.