SOUTHWICK – Friends, family, and colleagues will have an opportunity on July 27 to honor Chief David Ricardi for his almost 40 years in law enforcement, with 30 of those years being in the Southwick Police Department. The retirement party is being held at the Ludlow Country Club from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Former Southwick Police Chief David Ricardi will be honored at his retirement party on July 27. (WNG File Photo)
This is a ticketed event and there will be no tickets sold at the door.
Ricardi’s family had been planning this event for months without his knowledge and when he learned of it he was grateful for their gesture.
“I was surprised, I wasn’t expecting it and I’m honored,” said Ricardi. “I’m humbled, it’s a nice thing that they’re doing.”
Ricardi’s last day of work was on June 30 and first day of retirement July 1. Kevin Bishop, the new Chief of Police in Southwick, was sworn in July 1. Bishop congratulated Ricardi for his years of service in the department.
“It was a great honor to work with Chief Ricardi and I wish him well during his retirement,” said Bishop.
In 2013, Ricardi took on the role of Chief of Police for the Southwick Police Department. About two years ago, Ricardi was able to earn a special contract extension allowing him to continue as Chief of Police beyond the mandatory 65-years-old retirement age set by the state of Massachusetts.
