GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLINCOUNTYNOW) – In a new twist in the ongoing saga surrounding the leadership of the Greenfield Police Department, which was a focus of Mayor Ginny DeSorgher’s campaign, the Mayor’s office announced this morning that Greenfield Police Chief Robert Haigh is retiring from that position, effective today. The city received Haigh’s retirement letter on Thursday.
Deputy Chief William Gordon will take over as Acting Chief effective Saturday, February 17, according to Acting Mayor Keith Barnacle.
Haigh was hired as chief in 2013, and was placed on paid administrative leave in 2022 after he and the Police Department were found to have racially discriminated against former Officer Patrick Buchanan. Then-Mayor Roxann Wedegartner reinstated Haigh that September, sparking a public outcry. At a City Hall protest, many residents called for Haigh’s firing.
Greenfield Police held a ceremony for Chief Haigh yesterday afternoon at the Country Club of Greenfield.