Alton Police Chief retires to become town administrator in Southern NH

After two years as the town's chief of police, Philip Smith, Jr. decided that he liked being an administrator so much that he will retire from police work in favor of the position of town administrator for Atkinson, a township on the Massachusetts' border. His letter of resignation was submitted to the Board of Selectmen at its Sept. 8 meeting.

Smith will be replaced by Captain Ryan Heath.

"This has been a wonderful experience for me," said Smith, of his time in Alton. He came to the town after serving for 23 years on the Salem Police Department. While in that town, he said he worked under 18 different town managers, a turbulent situation that left him discouraged.

But in Alton, he saw the other side of the coin with Town Administrator Russ Bailey, who "provides stability and consistency," in Smith's words. Bailey has worked for the town for several years, and Smith was inspired by his leadership style.

"What I really find I enjoy is administration," said Smith. He has enjoyed the challenges of providing a productive work environment, building morale and supporting his officers and staff in their positions.

"There's no stronger position than the head guy — I'd like to try doing that for a town," he said.

Smith's final official day as chief will be Sept. 30, although his last working day will be either today or Monday. He will use up accrued vacation days for the rest of the month. Smith, who lives in Salem, will begin his duties in nearby Atkinson on Oct. 15.

Bailey said the selectboard decided to promote from within the department and name Captain Heath as chief once Smith vacates the position.

It won't be an unfamiliar position for Heath. Kevin Iwans was the police chief until his suspension in November of 2006 and subsequent dismissal over allegations of misconduct. For approximately nine months, Heath served as the interim chief while the town conducted a search.

Heath said, "Even though it was trying times, I learned a lot, had to learn a lot quickly. You learn the most by actually doing." He's confident and excited about his new position.

"I'm happy for the opportunity. I look forward to a long career here. My goal is to be a long-time chief here." Heath has been a member of the Alton Police Department for nearly ten years, and lives in New Durham just over the town line from Alton.