SOUTHWICK – Southwick Police Sgt. Kirk Sanders humbly accepted the 17th annual Richard G. Werenski Officer of the Year Award from the Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association this week during a ceremony at the Citizens Police Academy graduation.
Traditionally, the honored officer receives the award during the WMCPA annual dinner but Sanders didn’t want to miss the graduation ceremony for the Citizen Police Academy. That, said Southwick Police Chief David Ricardi, is exaclty what earned Sanders the award.
“Over his 35-year career, he has put his community ahead of his own needs and his personal goals were set aside,” Ricardi said.
For Sanders, that’s just what’s important.
“I grew up in Southwick and it’s part of who I am,” said Sanders. “And I had great parents who taught me well that community is important.”
In addition to his service as a police officer – which includes being the town’s safety officer and organizing the Citizen’s Police Academy – Sanders serves as the president of the Southwick Recreation Center and works with the schools. Sanders credited his wife Sue for encouraging him.
“She’s my biggest supporter,” he said.
Growing up, Sanders aspired to be a police officer because of his grandfather.
“He was a police officer for 25 years and that was something I wanted to do since I was 10,” he said. “He set a good example.”
Ricardi said now Sanders sets the example for officers rising through the ranks.
“He is a well-rounded police officer,” said Ricardi. “He takes it that extra mile.”
Ricardi nominated Sanders for the award because he met and exceeded every criteria for the honor. Ricardi added that Southwick is lucky to have a great pool of officers, any of whom could have been nominated.
“They all fit the bill,” he said.
Sanders is the third Southwick Police officer to receive the Richard G. Werenski Officer of the Year Award since its inception 17 years ago. Ricardi said he is proud of that fact.
“It says a lot about our department,” said Ricardi. “And it goes back to the selection process. We have always had good candidates. We want people who not only talk the talk, but can walk the walk, and we train them well.”
Sanders, however, stands a bit above the rest.
“Sgt. Sanders fits that,” said Ricardi. “He does a lot for this community and he’s just a good person. I’m blessed and fortunate to have the police officers I do.”
Sanders, in turn, said Ricardi has always supported him. Sanders said the previous police chiefs also encouraged him, but Ricardi has really helped him expand his role.
“He pushed me because he knew I could do it,” he said. “He’s one of my biggest supporters and always has been. For me, you can’t tell me something can’t be done because if I think it can be done, I’ll do it.”
Sanders received a plaque from the WMCPA Tuesday night from Selectmen Joseph Deedy and Russell Fox.
