Sgt Rhett Bannish, Sgt Kirk Sanders, Lt Dave Ricardi, Chief Mark Krynicki, Sgt Kevin Bishop, and Sgt Robert Landis of the Southwick Police Department. (Photo submitted.)
SOUTHWICK – Police Chief Mark Krynicki officially became the president of the Western Mass. Police Chiefs Association (WMPCA) this week.
Krynicki took over as head of the fraternal organization during a ceremony at The Log Cabin. The WMPCA offered awards to police officers for their exceptional work at the same event. Krynicki was previously the vice president of WMPCA and said it was an honor to be named president.
“I’m very proud of this accomplishment,” Krynicki said. “I think I have the respect of my peers and I believe that reflects well on Southwick.”
Selectmen Arthur Pinell and Russell Fox, as well as Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart, Lt. David Ricardi and the police sergeants, attended the event with Krynicki and his family.
Krynicki said the WMPCA encompasses all 104 police departments in western Massachusetts. The group meets monthly with its executive board and all chiefs are welcome to attend.
“We also have four quarterly meetings – one in each county,” Krynicki said. Part of his duties as president include attending ceremonies and parties for new chiefs as wel as retiring chiefs.
“It’s a fraternal organization developed many years ago for support,” said Krynicki. “We offer networking, information and guidance.”
Krynicki will hold the position for two years.
