Mattapoisett police chief retires after OUI arrest

MATTAPOISETT — The Select Board has agreed to terms of early retirement for Police Chief Mary Lyons.

Lyons was placed on paid administrative leave on July 19, following her arrest after a traffic stop in Bourne on July 17.

Lyons was charged with operating under the influence of liquor and cited with a marked lanes violation by a state police officer. She pleaded not guilty to the charge on July 19.

A statement from the Select Board, which announced Lyons’ retirement, thanked her for 36 years of service with the Mattapoisett Police Department.

“The Board affirms its continued support to the talented and dedicated men and women of our Police Department as they continue to provide the needed services of their department to the citizens at large,” read the statement.

Lyons began serving as Mattapoisett Police Chief in 2001. In 2009, she became the first female president of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

Captain Jason King took over as interim police chief following Lyons’ suspension, and will continue to hold the position as the town searches for a replacement.

Lyons’ pretrial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31.