Hutchins retires, Buffington in as chief in Plymouth

PLYMOUTH — Town hall was packed with law enforcement officers and other supporters on Monday night. The group came together for Alex Hutchins, who recently said he will retire from his role as police chief, as he continues recovering from a stroke in August.

Hutchins, 45, spent months in treatment and recovery between Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Concord, before being discharged from the hospital just before Thanksgiving.

His recovery was described as miraculous by family, friends and physicians, but is the start of a long road for Hutchins. He shared publicly on Dec. 31 he would be retiring from the position he had held since 2021, and on Monday night, he was honored for his 24 years serving the town.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege,” Hutchins said. “I actually started way back in ’97, when I was a Police Explorer. That’s a long time ago. It’s crazy isn’t?”

Selectboard Vice Chair Ted Wisniewski said they were honoring one of the town “beloved public servants.”

“Chief Hutchins isn’t just finishing a job, he’s completing a career defined by an extraordinary level of dedication,” Wisniewski said. “For over 24 years, Alex has been the steady hand during Plymouth’s most difficult hours.”

Wisniewski said Hutchins is known for navigating complexities of emergency response, as well as community policing strategies and efforts. He said his leadership was never defined by his rank, but instead with the “calm and professional” way he looked out for the people of Plymouth.

“We, the selectboard and town manager, have relied on Alex’s common sense and deep local knowledge,” Wisniewski said. “He’s been a vital part of our leadership team."

Wisniewski praised Hutchins for mentoring a generation of police officers, saying he taught them to serve with dignity and compassion. Hutchins, he said, leaves the Plymouth Police Department stronger and more prepared for the future.

“Chief, you have served Plymouth with honor and integrity,” Wisniewski said. “You’ve earned every bit of peace and relaxation that retiring brings.”

Wisniewski presented Hutchins with a plaque commemorating his service, accompanied by a round of applause.

Chief Nate Buffington, recently appointed as Hutchins' successor, called it an “emotional night,” and said Hutchins is the epitome of what any officer tries to be.

“He’s smart, caring, funny, and above all, an exceptional leader.”

Buffington thanked him for copying him on every email over the past two years during his time as deputy chief, as well as making him hike to the top of Waterville Valley in the winter, just because he wanted to show him how to get to the repeater, in case it ever broke.

“Whether he ever said it out loud or not, he was quietly and deliberately preparing me for the day I might serve as chief of police, and for that I’ll always be grateful,” Buffington said. “I know this isn’t the way Chief Hutchins envisioned the closing chapter of his career, but the reality is, he has given more than enough of his time and energy to all of us.”

Buffington thanked Hutchins for his years of support, guidance, and leadership, and said members of the department will feel his impact for years to come.

Hutchins' decision to retire started a series of promotions in the department, and pinning of badges followed his ceremony.

Town Administrator Scott Weden honored Buffington, saying while the badge is a symbol of authority, it represented something much deeper that day.

“It represents the collective trust of this community,” Weden said. “Choosing a chief is one of the most important decisions a town can make. In Nate, we didn’t have to look far to find the best candidate.”

Weden said Buffington has served with distinction for years, investigating crimes and responding to calls, all while mentoring young officers. He said this was instilled in Buffington, and the rest of the staff, by Hutchins. Buffington is someone not only familiar with the town, but knows its people by name.

“He didn’t just get this job, he earned it through years of integrity, hard work, and commitment to professional excellence,” Weden said. “By appointing Nate as our chief, the Town of Plymouth is choosing continuity and stability.”

Buffington, who has 20 years of law enforcement experience, has held the positions of detective sergeant, deputy chief, and interim chief in his five years with Plymouth Police. He was pinned by his wife Destiny at the meeting, and then thanked the town for trusting him with the ability to do the job of leading the town’s police department. Buffington said it's something he doesn’t take lightly, and he's proud to work alongside his fellow officers.

“I look forward to continuing to support you, challenge you, and stand with you as we move this department forward together,” Buffington said.

Rod Diamond was promoted from lieutenant to deputy chief, and Buffington said his dedication, leadership and character is valued.

“The promotion of Rod Diamond to the rank of deputy chief is bittersweet,” Buffington said. “For me, this moment carries special meaning. Like myself, Rod grew up in this community. He was actually someone who helped get me hired in this profession. We started our careers together.”

Buffington said he cannot think of anyone more capable and deserving to take the role of deputy chief, and has full confidence in him. He thanked him for his years of service, and said he looks forward to what they can accomplish together.

Diamond has three decades of experience in law enforcement, with 10 in Plymouth, working his way up from patrol.

Hutchins, Buffington and Diamond have immense knowledge of the area, and are all alumni of Plymouth Regional High School.

Bryan Keeler has 13 years of law enforcement work and four in Plymouth, where worked his way through the ranks as detective, detective sergeant, and patrol sergeant. Buffington said his promotion to lieutenant is a strategic and necessary step in strengthening the department’s future.

“On a personal level, it is an honor to see Bryan achieve something he has worked so hard for, and so clearly deserves,” Buffington said.

Jesse Colby, former chief in Northfield, was recently hired by Plymouth PD, and appointed to the rank of sergeant on Monday.

“Jesse is going to be a great fit to our agency, and we are super excited to have him,” Buffington said.

The town also pinned badges on three new officers: Dylan Mowry, Ryan McNamara and Joseph Beydon Stratton.