SGT. KEVIN BISHOP
SOUTHWICK – Kevin Bishop is the town’s new police lieutenant.
Bishop, a sergeant for 20 of the 30 years he has been on the Southwick Police Department (SPD), was selected last night by a Board of Selectmen vote of 2-0-0. Voting in favor of Bishop were selectmen Joseph Deedy and Tracy Cesan, while Chairman Russell Fox abstained.
Bishops’ colleague, Sgt. Kirk Sanders, was also a candidate. Both men were asked the same series of questions, separately, by the board last night. The board then went into executive session and reconvened in open session to take a vote.
Following the announcement, Bishop said he was thrilled.
“I’m very proud,” he said. “I have been working toward this the past 30 years.”
Police Chief David Ricardi said Bishop will be given a letter of understanding from the board and once it is signed, Bishop will officially take the lieutenant post which was vacated when Ricardi was named chief.
SGT. KIRK SANDERS
Bishop and Sanders have similar experiences on the SPD, including successful grant writing, community policing, and promotions. Bishop holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice, something Sanders acknowledged he does not have. However, during the interview process, Sanders cited numerous trainings that have helped him get ready for a lieutenant position.
“I know one of the issues is education and I do not have a college degree,” said Sanders. “But, I have completed seminars and trainings. I have continually educated myself and improved myself as an officer.”
Sanders listed numerous trainings, including defensive tactic trainings, sergeant training, and even police chief training.
Bishop touted his own skills and training and said his superiors have continuously asked him to take on leadership roles.
“Many time over I have been sought out by my commanders,” he said.
At age 40, Bishop enrolled in college to obtain his degrees in order to further his career and put him on track for promotions. When asked where he saw himself in five years, Bishop said if the chief position was open, that was where he wanted to be.
Bishop and Sanders both spoke about the importance of community policing and working as a team. They were asked about the lieutenant’s new schedule, which Ricardi set as 12-8 p.m. Ricardi said he believes having the lieutenant work both during the day shift and night shift will be beneficial.
“I think it will work well for the department and the town,” Ricardi said. “We want to be available to the community.”
Bishop was surrounded by colleagues, family and friends offering congratulations following the selection.
Fox said it was “a very difficult decision,” adding that both men were held in high regard.
