DAVID MASSAI
ERNEST MALONE
SOUTHWICK – The town has two new police officers.
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to hire reserve officers David Massai and Ernest Malone last night following interviews with four candidates.
The other candidates were Michael Girard and Kyle Sanders, both of whom were touted by the board as well qualified.
“Unfortunately we only have two positions open,” Chairman Russell Fox said.
Selectwoman Tracy Cesan spoke to Sanders, who was present for the announcement that took place following an hour-long executive session, and encouraged him to continue working hard.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” she told him. “Your efforts have been commended by many.”
The candidates fielded the same nine questions from the board and were each given the opportunity to make a statement.
When asked how Malone could respond to the wide variety of police calls in Southwick, he said he has already had experience with various types of calls in the two years he has been a reserve officer. He added that his ability to focus on an individual person often diffuses situations quickly.
The candidates were asked how they would respond if they pulled over an erratic driver and discovered an intoxicated town official was driving. Both men said their first course of action would be to call a supervisor.
“It’s a tough call, because you don’t want to just slap cuffs on someone, but I would have no other choice but to do my job,” said Malone.
Massai said after contacting his shift supervisor he would “initiate an OUI arrest if need be.”
Massai and Malone agreed that community policing is an integral part of the job in Southwick.
“I feel strongly about this,” Massai said. “I have a young family and we enjoy the things Southwick has to offer, like the rail trail and lakes, and we like to feel safe when using those. I think community policing takes a role in that.”
Malone said one of his favorite shifts is the bike patrol so that he has the opportunity to chat with residents.
“I like making that connection between the department and the community,” he said.
All candidates were asked if they believed everyone who breaks the law should be arrested. Both of Southwick’s new officers answered with a resounding no.
“Arrest isn’t always best,” Malone said, adding that summons and warnings are an alternative to arrests when applicable.
“Everyone has bad days,” Massai said.
The men were given a scenario of a bar call to report a patron was intoxicated, refused service, and headed to his car. When the officer arrived, the subject is in his vehicle and cannot find identification. They were asked to describe their course of action.
Massai said if he was unable to identify himself and was not able to get a ride from someone, he would place the man in protective custody.
“I would hold him to take a little nap,” Massai said.
Malone said he would follow similar procedure to make sure the intoxicated person was safe.
Malone told selectmen that if chosen he would perform his duties “with integrity and good moral character.”
Massai said honesty, integrity, discretion and common sense were qualities he possesses, and added that he would be “a good investment” for the town.
“I do not intend to use Southwick as a catalyst for another department,” he said.
Fox thanked all the candidates for coming forward.
