NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Northampton Interim Police Chief John Cartledge was officially sworn in as chief on Wednesday. Former Northampton man sentenced in child rape case Cartledge replaces former Chief Jody Kasper, who resigned earlier this year to become the Nantucket Police Chief. An official swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday night in front of friends, family, local leaders, and law enforcement. Cartledge is a Northampton native, attending local schools, and began his career with the department in 1985 as a patrol officer. Since then, he has served in several capacities including Captain of Operations and Captain of Administration.  "Northampton is incredibly fortunate to have someone of John Cartledge’s caliber and commitment leading our police department," said Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra. "John was born and raised in Northampton, and his lifelong dedication to this community is evident in every aspect of his work. He has been a key figure in building a forward-thinking, community-focused police department, and I have full confidence in his ability to guide our city forward in this critical role." “It is a great honor to have been selected as the Chief of Police in my hometown," said Cartledge. "I look forward to further partnering with the community and continuing to lead our department with pride and transparency.”  Local News Headlines Overnight paving on Elm Street in West Springfield Crews working to put out fire on Route 20 in West Springfield Florida flights impacted by Hurricane Milton at Bradley International Airport Ethel Kennedy, social activist and widow of Robert F Kennedy, dies after stroke WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.