AMHERST — A near-unanimous Town Council this week confirmed Police Capt. Gabriel Ting as Amherst’s next police chief.
Six days after Town Manager Paul Bockelman said he would name Ting, a 27-year veteran and interim police chief since last May, to the permanent role, councilors Monday voted 10-1, with two members absent, to confirm the appointment.
“His leadership and his ability to listen are hallmarks of what will make him a terrific police chief,” Bockelman told the Town Council.
Specifically, Bockelman praised Ting’s emphasis on connecting with town youth, his experience as a son of Chinese immigrants and his education in the Amherst public schools.
The lone vote against Ting’s appointment came from District 3 Councilor Hala Lord, who didn’t offer an explanation for her vote, while At Large Councilor Ellisha Walker and District 5 Councilor Bob Hegner were not present at the meeting.
The vote followed a recommendation from the Town Services and Outreach Committee, with Chairman Andy Steinberg noting that Bockelman had made an appropriate and thoughtful appointment.
Bockelman said Tuesday that a contract with Ting is to be negotiated, followed by a swearing-in ceremony.
— Scott Merzbach
