SOUTHWICK – There has been an update on Marshall, the Southwick Fire Department mascot who was found safe on Tuesday.
Det. Robert Landis reported that he and his officers made progress with a supposed suspect that may have taken Marshall for ransom.
“We identified a person of interest,” said Landis.
That person of interest came forward on Wednesday afternoon and has confessed to taking Marshall, and that person is Southwick Police Lt. Kevin Bishop.
Bishop first saw the opportunity to take the inflatable dog away from the fire department to continue a friendly rivalry between police and fire that is known across the country.
As Lt. Bishop took the dog less than two weeks ago on a rainy Friday night, Lt. Bishop realized that the Southwick Fire Department may have cameras that he was unaware of that may lead to blowing his cover.
Immediately, Lt. Bishop informed fire Chief Russ Anderson what he did.
“From there, we just thought we would turn it into something good,” said Bishop.
As it was reported by the Westfield News on Oct. 11 that “After the suspect ensured Anderson that Marshall is indeed safe, he demanded that there is a ransom of $500,” Lt. Bishop knew exactly what he wanted to make out of the situation.
Southwick Police Lt. Kevin Bishop, stands with Marshall, who is now home safe at the fire department. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
In his emails to Chief Anderson, he made sure that the ransom for Marshall would include the money being raised to go towards the Our Community Food Pantry in Southwick.
Lt. Bishop hoped that his efforts would help the community come together and raise money for a good cause that goes right back to their local food pantry.
Reported by the Westfield News on Oct. 18, local businesses, the Southwick Fire and Police Associations, private donations, and Brownie troop 12664 all combined together for just over $800 to go back to the Our Community Food Pantry.
Munson was very pleased to hear the result of what Lt. Bishop helped create.
“We were ecstatic (food pantry) with the results,” said Munson. “I think it was wonderful.”
Lt. Bishop also noted that he first went to Southwick Police Chief Dave Ricardi and informed him of his intentions before taking Marshall and Chief Ricardi gave Lt. Bishop permission and was fully behind it.
With Marshall now back safely in front of the Southwick Fire Department sign, Lt. Bishop laughed that the inflatable dog is looking “happy and content over there.”
Lt. Bishop then went on to say that the main purpose of all this was to bring the community together for a great cause.
“It just shows good community spirit to all involved.”
