Last week the Northampton city council confirmed the appointment of their new police chief, John Cartledge. Chief Cartledge started as a patrol officer 29 years ago with the Northampton police department, most recently as interim chief after the departure of former Chief Jody Kasper. Two other candidates were considered as finalists, Mayor Gina Louise Sciarra said, but the committee put together to find the city’s next police chief agreed that Officer Cartledge was by far the best pick for the job, and only recommended him.