LT. DAVID RICARDI
SOUTHWICK – On June 1, Lt. David Ricardi will become the next chief of the Southwick Police Department.
Ricardi will take over after the retirement of current Chief Mark Krynicki. The Board of Selectmen signed Ricardi’s contract this week, which includes a base salary of $91,000.
Ricardi, 61, said he was thrilled with the appointment.
“This is something every police officer aspires to do,” he said. “I’m ecstatic about it.”
Ricardi brings to the job 26 years as a member of the SPD. He began his career as a reserve officer in Agawam, then worked as an Enfield, Conn. police officer before taking a position in Southwick.
Ricardi moved up through the ranks over the years and, as lieutenant, acts in place of the chief when Krynicki is not available.
Selectmen Russell Fox and Arthur Pinell moved to appoint Ricardi without an interview process less than two weeks after Krynicki’s retirement announcement, citing his experience and professionalism.
Ricardi, a Ludlow native who lives in Feeding Hills, said he looks forward to the future and plans few changes for the beginning of his tenure as chief.
“I’m looking forward to continuing with the training we’ve been going through and maintaining our community relationships – and building more,” Ricardi said.
Reaching out to the town’s senior citizens is a priority for Ricardi, who said that is a growing population in town that is eager for knowledge.
“We just want people to feel safe within the community,” Ricardi said. “If they don’t feel safe we are not doing our job.”
Ricardi said education and enforcement are the keys to helping residents feel safe.
As he prepares to become chief, Ricardi said his colleagues have responded favorably to the appointment.
“It’s been very positive here,” he said. “Everyone seems to be accepting of it and are happy the selection came from within the department.”
The promotion of Ricardi will most likely cause a trickle down effect of promotions. Ricardi said while the selectmen could take any direction they choose to fill his current position, if they follow historical practices, a sergeant would likely be promoted to lieutenant, an officer would then be promoted to sergeant, and an officer would need to be hired.
Ricardi said although he performs the duties of the chief in Krynicki’s absence, there will still be a “learning curve” once he is sworn-in.
Ricardi and his wife Sue are parents to Steve, a Ludlow police officer, and Beth, a teacher. Ricardi said spending time with his family – especially his granddaughter – is his priority outside of work. He also enjoys working in his yard and supporting charities close to his heart, including the Special Olympics and Multiple Sclerosis fundraisers.
Ricardi said he prides himself on being accessible to the public and plans to be available as chief.
“I’m a reachable person,” he said. “I invite any citizen with concerns to come in to talk. I’m willing to listen because there isn’t a day that goes by that I can’t learn from somebody.”
