Posted 3/17/2009
After almost forty (40) years of service to the citizens of the Town of Amherst, Charles A. Scherpa, Chief of Police, Town of Amherst has submitted his notice of retirement effective June 30, 2009. Chief Scherpa has enjoyed a distinguished career with the Town of Amherst beginning as a Patrol Officer on October 1, 1969. Chief Scherpa was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Western New England College in 1974. On May 26, 1981, Chief Scherpa was appointed Sergeant. On April 17, 1986, Chief Scherpa was appointed Captain. On February 18, 1997, Chief Scherpa was appointed Deputy Chief. On March 1, 2000, Chief Scherpa was appointed to the position of Police Chief by Town Manager, Barry Del Castilho. Chief Scherpa has served and was mentored by two previous chiefs; Francis E. Hart and Donald Maia. Chief Scherpa has served with five town managers; Allan Torrey, Louis Hayward, Stan Ziomek, Barry Del Castilho and Larry Shaffer.
Chief Scherpa has established a heritage of excellence that will continue long after his departure. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to service has created a legacy of achievement within the Amherst Police Department. Chief Scherpa had a clear vision of what an outstanding police department should be and how one is created and maintained. Larry Shaffer, Town Manager said, “Charles Scherpa is an institution in Amherst. However, it is not only his longevity that is extraordinary. It is his total commitment to the citizens of Amherst and to the Amherst Police Department that set him apart. I will miss him. I wish him and his lovely wife, Kathleen, the best in retirement.”