Acting Dartmouth Police Chief Appointed After Szala’s Heart Attack

Deputy Chief Brian Levesque will be taking over as the acting police chief for the Town of Dartmouth.

Chief Robert Szala suffered a heart attack in April, leaving Levesque in charge of the department until Szala's return.

Doctors expected Szala to miss several months before being able to even consider returning to his role.

At Monday's meeting, the Select Board finally appointed Levesque as acting police chief effective May 8 at a salary of $144,900.

As one of his first acts as acting chief, Levesque recommended that the board approve a buyout of Szala's remaining vacation time.

By contract, Szala could only carry over 15 days, meaning he would lose the rest.

"He's not going to be able to use his existing vacation time, which is why I'm recommending that the only solution be to buy out the existing vacation time, minus the 15 days he's allowed to carry over," Acting Chief Levesque said.

The buyout, which was approved by the board, is for $18,441.44 and covers Szala's 30 remaining vacation days.