SOUTHWICK – A police recognition ceremony was held at the Town Hall Auditorium on Monday night. The ceremony recognized current police officers, retired police officers as well as various other employees working for the Southwick Police Department.
Chief Dave Ricardi started off the presentation by recognizing the several retired police officers that were present for the event. Certificates of appreciation were then given to certain police officers on the force.
The recognition from the police force stretched far, from the veteran and retiring officers to the younger officers who are just beginning their career.
Ken Laxton, who has been a member of the Southwick Police Department for 47 years, recently retired as an officer.
Laxton recalled the memories he had during his profession.
“It was a very exciting time in my life,” said Laxton. “I always wanted to be a police officer, I knew it was my goal.”
Ending his time on the force, Laxton is happy to see the younger generation of officers in the department showing such promise.
“To see the young individuals that have that same young gleam in their eye,” said Laxton.
One of those younger individuals is Ross Henke. Being a life-long resident of Southwick, Henke always had the dream of representing that uniform in his own town.
Chief Ricardi recognized retiring police officer Ken Laxton for his 47 years of service on the force. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Earlier this fall, Henke was named the newest police officer to be added on as a full-time officer. Henke was officially sworn in during the ceremonies.
Coming from a family that features a long line of police officers, Henke is pleased that he has the opportunity to serve the town of Southwick.
“It’s very important to me, now I can give back to the community,” said Henke.
Another member of the police department to be recognized was K-9 Officer Thomas Krutka. As most of the officers getting recognition walked up to the podium alone, Krutka certainly was not alone.
While getting recognition, Krutka’s partner, his K-9 dog, Jax, also received claps from the crowd for the work they have both done.
In October of 2014, Krutka and Jax helped the Agawam Police and several other departments seize about 300 pounds of marijuana and around $1.1 million in cash. Jax was able to sniff out the exact storage locker where portions of the marijuana were kept.
“He’s (Jax) really gained a reputation amongst the other police departments,” said Krutka. “It’s a bond like no other.”
Sergeants Kirk Sanders, Rhett Bannish, Donald Day, and Detective Sergeant Robert Landis along with Lieutenant Kevin Bishop, were also all honored.
K-9 Officer Thomas Krutka and his k-9 dog, Jax, were recognized for their efforts towards the force. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Ricardi also talked about his appreciation for all of the reserve officers. The administrative assistant, Sue Anderson, as well all of the dispatchers, were also given recognition.
Several members of the police force as well as a couple from the fire department were given “Life Saver” awards. Ricardi referenced several incidents that have occurred dating back to January 2016 where officers have saved lives due to opioid and heroin use as well as heart attacks.
Being able to hand out numerous types of recognition to his police force, Ricardi is happy and confident with the officers that represent the department.
“I’m proud of them,” said Ricardi. “I enjoy working with these guys, I consider us an elite group.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, Ricardi made a speech that was directed towards his department with a simple message that involved the appreciation his police officers have from their community.
“You are not invisible,” said Ricardi. “You are seen, and you matter.”
