Stoughton Police Chief Paul J. Shastany is stepping down from the department and retiring after six years on the job, town officials said Monday.
The chairman of Stoughton's board of selectmen, Joseph M. Mokrisky, announced the move in an e-mail to other selectmen officials, after receiving notice from the police chief. Shastany's last day will be April 29.
"The police chief has worked very hard to do an honest job," Mokrisky said by phone Monday night.
He said that although Shastany did not give a reason for leaving, he believes that town politics influenced his decision.
"There's no place for politics in law enforcement," he said.
The board's vice chairman, David J. Sousa, said he would be sorry to see Shastany go.
"My heart is broken," Sousa said. "In my lifetime of 48 years as a resident, he was [the] best chief in this town."
Mokrisky credited Shastany for helping stabilize the department after a slew of scandals took place, including corruption charges that led to the convictions of two former officers and the resignation of a third officer.
Shastany could not be reached for comment Monday night.
The selectmen in the town of 27,000 south of Boston plan to hold a meeting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall to address the news.
A message coupled with a photo on the Stoughton Police Facebook page Monday night read, "Thank you Chief Shastany." In written comments, dozens of people expressed their thanks and appreciation.
Alexandra Koktsidis can be reached at alexandra.koktsidis @globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @akoktsidis.