Adams Police Chief Placed on Leave

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K. Scott Kelley
ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Selectmen voted on Monday to put the police chief on a paid leave of absence.
 
The vote to put K. Scott Kelley on leave was taken at an executive session on Monday afternoon to discuss personal matters of or complaints or charges against an individual in employ of the town and to discuss discipline or dismissal. 
 
This story was first reported by WNYT.com on Monday night. 
 
The board also voted to appoint Sgt. Donna Malloy as acting police chief until further notice, according to board Chair John Duval. 
 
The notice on the town website for the executive session states the "the board will only return to open session to adjourn."
 
Duval, in an email, wrote "the town does not comment on personnel matters" and provided no context for placing Kelley on leave or confirm if there is an investigation in process. 
 
Kelley stepped into chief's post in January 2021, following the retirement of Chief Richard Tarsa, a 36-year member of the Adams force.
 
He came from South Carolina, and has nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles ranging from school resource officer to the special weapons and tactics team in Anderson, S.C., and worked in policing at two higher education institutions.
 
Kelley was proffered a second three-year contract in January 2024; this ends on Dec. 31 next year. 

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Letter: Christine Hoyt Best Choice for Adams Select Board on May 4

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

I am a proud resident of Adams, and it's clear that our town is moving in a positive direction. From the revitalization of the Adams Theater to the opening of the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, we are seeing meaningful progress take shape.

Christine Hoyt has been a driving part of this momentum since 2017. During her time on the Select Board, she has worked to address critical priorities, such as infrastructure improvements (like the $6.5 million wastewater treatment upgrades), economic development, and the preservation of essential town services.

Re-electing Christine to a fourth term ensures continuity in this important work. Her role on the Local Government Advisory Commission (LGAC) enables her to advocate directly for Adams at the state level, helping secure general government aid, Chapter 90 funding, and support for public education. She also brings valuable leadership experience through her service as president of the Berkshire County Select Board Association, District 1 representative on both the Massachusetts Select Board Association and the Massachusetts Municipal Association Board of Directors, and her work with the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association. This level of experience and representation is an asset our town cannot afford to lose.

Christine has proven she has the vision and the work ethic to lead Adams for another three years. I hope you will join me in voting for her on Monday, May 4, and keep the momentum going.

The election will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Adams Memorial Building, 30 Columbia St.
 

Leah Thompson
Adams, Mass. 

 

 

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