Southwick Police Chief Mark Krynicki
SOUTHWICK – Police Chief Mark Krynicki is retiring Friday after nine years on the job in Southwick.
As he emptied his office of personal belongings to make way for new chief David Ricardi, now a Southwick Police lieutenant, Krynicki reflected on his time as chief.
“It’s been a wonderful nine years,” he said. “I have really appreciated the support from the citizens of Southwick, Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee.”
Krynicki said he is proud of the accomplishments achieved while he served as chief, including a grant award of $250,000 from former U.S. Rep. John Olver for renovations to the dispatch area.
“I am really proud that over the past few years when the economy was terrible, we have been able to maintain the services we provide,” said Krynicki. “And, with the approval of the budget at town meeting, we’ve increased the staffing by two officers.”
Krynicki said Southwick has 16 full-time, and 12 reserves, police officers.
“Southwick is growing and the police department has to grow with it,” he said. “They’re going to have to look at adding another officer in the next few years.”
While Krynicki feels he is leaving the department in better shape than he found it, he does regret that a new microwave radio system was not able to be put in place before his retirement.
“That’s something for the next chief,” he said.
Ricardi has been Krynicki’s right-hand man for the past nine years and was the person Krynicki recommended take over as chief.
“He is the right man for the job,” he said. “He has always been by my side.”
Krynicki said he looks forward to a summer filled with golfing, kayaking and hiking. His wife Pamela runs her own business, and while the couple is selling their Southwick home, they plan to stay here.
“We’re just downsizing,” Krynicki said. “Southwick has become my home – I have made many good friends here.”
Krynicki started his police career as a part-time officer in Ludlow, then moved on to the Vermont State Police, then a full-time position with the Wilbraham Police before becoming chief in Southwick.
Krynicki will remain in his role as president of the Police Chief’s Association through the end of the year.
Not one to relax for too long, Krynicki said he plans to enjoy some down time before considering taking on any more work.
“I have mixed emotions about leaving,” he said, “but I like the excitement of what may come down the road. I will really miss the people here. Yes, that’s what I will miss the most.”
