Freetown mourns former Police Chief Carlton Abbott
The Freetown community is mourning the sudden loss of former Police Chief Carlton Abbott, who died following a brief illness. He was 66.
The Freetown Police Department announced the death of their longtime leader Wednesday, and a wake was held Thursday night.
Abbott retired in 2023 after a 40-year career with the force and 25-years as chief.
Freetown Selectwoman Lisa Pacheco worked closely with him for more than two decades.
Pacheco, who served on the school committee before becoming the town's first female selectwoman, remembered Abbott as a crucial mentor during her early years in town government.
"Carlton Abbott was fair. He was honest. He had the utmost integrity," Pacheco said. "In a time where the town was run by mostly men, we had a mutual respect for one another right away. I often went to his office and talked to him, and he guided me through some difficult times and judgments."
The impact of Abbott’s death was visible throughout the evening as a steady stream of mourners arrived to pay their respects.
Kimberli Jacobson, who attended the wake, described the former chief as "very outgoing, happy, and helpful," noting the tragedy of the loss for his family.
"That grandson's going to miss out on having his grandfather around," Jacobson said.
Pacheco described the atmosphere inside the chapel as "indescribable."
"The impact you can see in people's eyes," Pacheco said. "The men and women of the Freetown Police Department, my heart goes out to them to receive that call."
Current Freetown Police Chief Scott Rose said in a statement that Abbott was more than just a superior officer; he was a mentor and a friend to those within the department.
Abbott’s burial services will be held privately.
