Overview

• Mayor Melinda Barrett said Thursday evening that Robert Pistone retired effective immediately and that she accepted his resignation.
• Deputy Chief Stephen Doherty was appointed acting chief and pledged to work with city leaders and unions to restore stability.
• The change in leadership followed a scathing anonymous letter posted by the Lawrence Patrolmen’s Association and shared by Haverhill’s union criticizing Pistone’s leadership.
• Essex County prosecutors continue to investigate the July death of Francis Gigliotti, which was ruled a homicide, with seven Haverhill officers on paid leave.
• Tully’s father said the 32-year-old officer, who died on Sept. 26, was among the seven officers on leave, and the mayor plans to hire an independent investigator to review union concerns.