SOUTHWICK – A Southwick town official’s career that’s spanned over 30 years will come to an end on June 30.
David Ricardi has spent the last five years as the town’s Chief of Police but his career in law enforcement extends much farther. Kicking off his career in the late 1970’s as a reserve officer in Agawam, Ricardi spent six years in that community before becoming a full-time police officer at the Enfield Police Department.
People go into law enforcement for a variety of reasons, and Ricardi had friends that were cops so he decided to give it a try. Ricardi felt that this was the path that would give him the most joy and excitement.
“It seemed like an exciting career, something that was rewarding,” said Ricardi. “That’s why I decided to pursue it.”
After spending six years in Enfield, Ricardi would earn his first full-time position in 1988 at the Southwick Police Department. Becoming a sponge and soaking up as much information as he could, Ricardi would be promoted to chief investigator in January of 1990. In just one year, the future Chief of Police would be promoted to Sergeant. Although Ricardi would spend just one year as Chief Investigator, that experience created some of his best memories in law enforcement.
“I enjoyed putting the cases together and solving the cases,” said Ricardi. “The ones where you got convictions, that was the frosting on the cake.”
Ricardi served as a Sergeant for 13 years and in 2004 he would earn the upgrade to Lieutenant. The final promotion in his storied career was in 2013 when he became the town Police Chief.
During his time as Lieutenant, Ricardi, is seen using a non-firing training pistol to demonstrate a new light emitting diode light that attaches to the weapon. (WNG File Photo)
Throughout the years, Ricardi has been recognized for his dedication in law enforcement. For the last 17 years, Ricardi has been overseeing the Hampden County Narcotics Task Force. In 2003, Ricardi was named Hampden County law enforcement officer of the year by District Attorney Bill Bennett. Two years later, in 2005, he was awarded the 8th annual Richard G. Werenski officer of the year award.
During his career in Southwick Ricardi has helped establish programs to not only benefit the Southwick Police Department but the community as a whole. Ricardi helped re-establish the citizens police academy, the RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) program, continuing with the K-9 program, and purchasing tactical vests for active shooter programs. Ricardi has also helped bring Narcan to the police department, allowing officers to have Narcan on them while on duty. During his tenure as Chief, a school resource officer has been added as well as another full-time officer, to give the department 17 full-time officers.
Over the 30 or more years that Ricardi has been a member of the Southwick Police Department, he’s worked with a number of individuals who have a fond memory of their time together.
Bob Laughlin, who became Lieutenant when Ricardi was a Sergeant, remembers how influential Ricardi was for his own career.
“He was a great influence on me, he helped me a lot in my job,” said Laughlin. “He never turned his back on anybody, he was a great leader.”
Robert Landis, currently a Sgt. Det. in the Southwick Police Department, has worked with Ricardi for several years. In May, Landis was promoted to Lieutenant effective July 1. The vacancy was due to the current Lieutenant, Kevin Bishop, being named the new Chief of Police in January. Landis is grateful for the path Ricardi has created.
“He’s certainly laid a really solid foundation for the new chief (Bishop) and myself to build,” said Landis.
Ricardi (third from left) is seen serving food to a member of the Southwick Senior Center at a past Christmas luncheon in 2014, along with other town officials. (WNG File Photo)
Russ Fox, who’s been on the Select Board for a number of years, was on the Select Board in 1988 that hired Ricardi as a full-time officer in town. Fox certainly has no regrets hiring Ricardi 30 years ago.
“David has had a distinguished career,” said Fox. “He impacted the police dept as soon as he came on.”
Looking back on his long career in law enforcement, Ricardi has been through unique experiences. Besides making hundreds of arrests, Ricardi has caught bank robbers, solved homicides, and even delivered two babies. A career that has many ups and downs, it’s an experience that Ricardi will never regret.
“I wouldn’t have traded this for all the tea in China,” Ricardi smiled. “Yeah you got bad days, so does a lawyer or a judge.”
With his first day of retirement beginning on July 1, Ricardi has no plan but knows he wants to take time to relax.
“I’m looking to take the summer off, enjoy my family,” said Ricardi.
Despite retiring, Ricardi wants to return to law enforcement at some point in a part-time position, whether it’s teaching young officers or doing consulting.
The plan to return is no surprise from Ricardi, as his passion for the career will never be erased.
“I’m going to look back at this and I’ll miss the job,” said Ricardi. “I’ve made a lot of friends here, those things you can never give up.”
