Groton – Town Police Chief Michael Crowley has been placed on administrative leave for medical reasons, Town Manager Mark Oefinger confirmed today.

Oefinger said Crowley had returned 1½ weeks ago from a leave of absence granted in December, and was placed on leave Friday following a medical call to his home in Stonington Thursday night.

Oefinger said he could not discuss details and hopes to learn more about Crowley’s situation next week.

“It’s certainly not a disciplinary matter,” Oefinger said.

Deputy Chief Steven Smith has been placed in charge of the department, Oefinger said.

“I have every confidence in him running the department,” Oefinger said of Smith.

Crowley has served 28 years on the Groton force and was sworn in as chief in October 2011.

He has had a highly decorated career in Groton. He served on statewide drug task forces, was a member of the dive team and bike patrol and graduated from the FBI National Academy, an invitation-only training program for law enforcement officers.