The Colchester Town Board meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM. The next meeting is September 17, 2025. Please note: Town Hall Building at 72 Tannery Road will be closed from September 19th through September 22nd. We will be refinishing the floors. Offices will be open again on Tuesday, September 23rd. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Gavette Appointed Colchester Police Chief
COLCHESTER - On July 24, Colchester officials appointed long-time police officer Keith Gavette as the town’s police chief, at an annual salary of $70,720.
Gavette, who started with the department in 2015, has been a police officer for 11 years. He began as a part-time officer in Colchester 2015 and became a full-time officer in 2017.
His appointment comes on the heels of the abrupt resignation of former Chief Ernest “Ernie” Cawley, who, before his resignation was placed on administrative leave with allegations of multiple breaches of confidentiality involving sensitive police matters; repeated dereliction of duty; unauthorized time off/abuse of time; unprofessional and unbecoming conduct; and insubordination including violations of department policies.
Under his leadership, Colchester residents and taxpayers can expect collaboration, accessibility and transparency, “So there is trust and faith in all of our officers,” Gavette said.
He strives for a good working relationship with the town highway department and with local fire departments in a way that best serves the town.
His goal, he said, is to have more of a presence in the school with officers interacting with students during the school day and attending sporting and other school events to show department support for youth.
“I hope this will build a bond between our department and the community,” he said. “I hope to be able to build the department with good, trustworthy, hardworking officers, that will understand it is an honor and a privilege to wear the uniform of this department, and they need to present themselves in a manner the town can be proud of.”
He looks forward to a new chapter in his career, and in the department, he concluded.
COLCHESTER - On July 24, Colchester officials appointed long-time police officer Keith Gavette as the town’s police chief, at an annual salary of $70,720.
Gavette, who started with the department in 2015, has been a police officer for 11 years. He began as a part-time officer in Colchester 2015 and became a full-time officer in 2017.
His appointment comes on the heels of the abrupt resignation of former Chief Ernest “Ernie” Cawley, who, before his resignation was placed on administrative leave with allegations of multiple breaches of confidentiality involving sensitive police matters; repeated dereliction of duty; unauthorized time off/abuse of time; unprofessional and unbecoming conduct; and insubordination including violations of department policies.
Under his leadership, Colchester residents and taxpayers can expect collaboration, accessibility and transparency, “So there is trust and faith in all of our officers,” Gavette said.
He strives for a good working relationship with the town highway department and with local fire departments in a way that best serves the town.
His goal, he said, is to have more of a presence in the school with officers interacting with students during the school day and attending sporting and other school events to show department support for youth.
“I hope this will build a bond between our department and the community,” he said. “I hope to be able to build the department with good, trustworthy, hardworking officers, that will understand it is an honor and a privilege to wear the uniform of this department, and they need to present themselves in a manner the town can be proud of.”
He looks forward to a new chapter in his career, and in the department, he concluded.
Remember to keep our streets, neighborhoods and parks clean. Pick up your trash after you hang out. Be a good neighbor! We are all part of this community!
For glimpses into the past life in Colchester,
please join our monthly meetings.
Monthly Meeting Schedule:
April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26,
Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 18, Dec. 15.
Meetings are held at 10 AM.
All the meetings are held in the Historical Society room,
basement level of the Colchester Town Hall.
72 Tannery Road, Downsville, New York.