SOUTH HADLEY — Police Chief Jennifer Gundersen will retire on Dec. 28, ending a 32-year-long career in law enforcement.
Town Administrator Lisa Wong broke the news during a Select Board meeting on Tuesday night. Gundersen’s retirement was brought up during her last contract negotiations, so Wong said she “knew this was coming.”
“This is going to be a huge loss for the town,” said Select Board Vice Chair Carol Constant, “but congratulations to Chief Gundersen. That’s very exciting.”
In a phone interview with the Gazette, Gundersen said she felt the time to retire was right for herself, her family and the South Hadley Police Department. It was not an easy decision, she said, but she trusts her colleagues will maintain and grow the agency in her absence.
“I’m very proud to have worked for this town, and I appreciate the opportunity they’ve given me,” Gundersen said. “I appreciate working with the men and women in the police department, and I have confidence that they will continue to serve the community with excellence.”
Gundersen began her policing career in Amherst in 1994. She moved up the ranks from patrol officer to captain, and on Jan. 4, 2019, she became the first female police chief in South Hadley.
During her eight years as chief, Gundersen has expanded community outreach and crisis support. She consistently held office hours to listen and respond to residents’ concerns, especially regarding higher rates of unsafe driving and vehicle collisions.
The South Hadley Police Department partnered with South Hadley Public Schools to create a criminal justice vocational program six years ago. Internship opportunities for high school students have spun off from the program.
Under Gundersen’s leadership, South Hadley established a comfort dog program and brought in Project Lifesaver technology to quickly locate seniors and youth prone to wandering off. Gundersen also established a “wellness room” for officers to help improve their health and lower stress. Most recently, she advocated for the department to hire an officer dedicated to responding to reports of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Gundersen said she leaves with a sense of accomplishment about the progress of the department and her colleagues. She said she hopes the force will continue to grow under new leadership.
“I feel [the] South Hadley Police Department has made a lot of progress,” she said. “I look forward to the members here, who have been excellent colleagues, to further advance the agency.”
According to Wong, an internal job posting will go out imminently. The town administrator appoints the police chief, and the Select Board confirms the position.
