Weymouth mum on chief's leave

WEYMOUTH - Weymouth officials remain tight-lipped about the decision to place Police Chief James Thomas on paid administrative leave.

Mayor Sue Kay confirmed that Captain Brian Callahan, the senior captain in the department, has been named acting chief, replacing Thomas. But she would not explain why the switch was made.

"I'm afraid I can say nothing at this time," Kay said in an e-mailed reply to a request for comment. "Please respect the seriousness of the situation. My answer must be 'no comment.' "

Nor did officials confirm reports that Thomas had his gun and badge taken away in the days before being placed on leave.

Under the town charter, Kay has the right to put a department head on paid administrative leave if she determines an issue is serious enough.

Thomas, who could not be reached for comment, has the option of asking for a hearing on any disciplinary actions taken against him.

Thomas talked about running for mayor in the 2007 election that Kay won, following the path once taken by former mayor David Madden, who was fire chief before becoming Weymouth's first mayor. Thomas took out nomination papers but then decided not to run.

He has been involved in several high-profile and contentious cases since being appointed both interim chief and chief, including a long-running battle with former police captain Gregory Tanger, then the second-highest ranking member of the department and his one-time rival for the chief's job.

"I believe that I've earned the respect of my officers, and although they may not have always agreed with what I've done, they have understood my rationale for doing it," Thomas told a Globe reporter at the time of his permanent appointment as chief.

Thomas, 59 and divorced, is a Weymouth native and former Marine.

He joined the department in 1974 and rose through the ranks from patrolman. He was named acting chief in June 2003 after the retirement of Chief Rodney Rumble. Madden appointed him permanent chief in February 2004.

Callahan was one of three finalists when Thomas was appointed chief.

Rich Fahey can be reached at faheywrite@yahoo.com.