SOUTHWICK – The four internal candidates that applied to be the next Southwick Chief of Police were interviewed by the Select Board Monday night. Current chief, David Ricardi, is set to retire in June 2018 after serving as chief since 2013.
The Southwick Select Board prepares to interview the next candidate for the police chief position. (Photo courtesy of Greg Fitzpatrick)
The first individual to step up to the Select Board was Sgt. Rhett Bannish. Having worked under three different police chiefs at the department, Bannish, like many officers, was able to work his way up the ladder and earn a Sergeant’s position.
When asked about how he would prepare future officers in the department, Bannish pointed out his prior experience doing so. As a patrolmen and then eventually a field training officer, Bannish would help the younger officers and send them to training.
The topic of community outreach was brought up in the interview, and Bannish believes that the department and community would have to continue to come together.
“I think you have to evolve the police department and the community as a whole to get to the goals,” said Bannish. “They (community) need to understand where the department stands, all to get them comfortable around you.”
While Bannish doesn’t have much experience with the budget, he is eager to formulate the budget around safety and community needs. Bannish wants to see an increase in personnel, cruisers, and technology.
In terms of dealing with employee issues, Bannish simply mentioned fairness.
“If you do things fairly, there can be no complaints on the other end,” said Bannish.
Further into the interview, Bannish said he wants to see the department improve in technology in five years and see cruisers with cameras and also body equipped cameras. A unique he idea he noted was to have a Southwick Police app on smart phones so people can report crimes.
In his closing comments Bannish said that if he were hired as the next chief, he would be someone who the officers and the community would respect and identify with.
Next up in the interviews was Lt. Kevin Bishop, who was a Sergeant for 20 years and the Lieutenant for the last four years.
When asked about how he would describe his management philosophy within the department, Bishop talked about his ability to be willing to talk about anything at any time with officers.
“My door will always be open,” said Bishop.
As he’s no stranger to the community, being President of Team Justice Racing, Bishop would plan on getting himself involved with the community right away. One of his ideas is to stand out at the town transfer station every Saturday for the first month he is the chief, handing out business cards to residents and introducing himself.
Having the years of experience as Lieutenant, Bishop said that he has good knowledge of how the budget process works and worked with Ricardi on that in the past. Similar to Bannish, Bishop pointed out technology as a key aspect to tackle on the next budget, including cameras in the cruisers.
Five years from now, Bishop would like to lead the department into evolving as one of the best departments in Western Massachusetts.
Asked about his worst day on the job as a supervisor, Bishop remembered a specific day years ago where he gave multiple death notifications to the parents of teenagers who were killed in a car accident.
“Being a supervisor that day fell on my shoulders,” said Bishop.
Going through numerous experiences thus far into his career, Bishop feels he’s prepared for this next step.
“I’m totally dedicated to the community,” said Bishop. “I think I’m ready for the challenge.”
Following Bishop in the interviews was Det. Sgt. Robert Landis, who was a former patrol sergeant before being named lead detective of the department.
Like the other candidates, Landis has worked under a few different chief’s, and when it comes to his own management philosophy, he wants to model it after his predecessors.
“I think you would see a little bit of everybody in me,” said Landis.
Looking at the biggest challenges the department has, Landis believes it’s technology and being transparent. Although technology can be cost-effective, it’s a necessity to have that aspect improved upon as it continues to evolve.
Currently possessing the role as a detective, Landis is highly aware of the issues that the elderly may face when it comes to scams and other crimes. Five years from now, Landis wants to form a triad between the police, the senior community, and the Hampden County Sherriff’s Department.
“It makes the transition and the experience for the elder much more acceptable,” said Landis.
Landis also added that he would like to implement electronic reporting for smaller crimes. That way, if someone’s bike was stolen, it doesn’t need a face to face interaction with a police officer, and the victim can report the crime electronically. More importantly, Landis feels that the system would increase the amount of time officers could be on the road instead of doing more paperwork.
Landis then gave his case as to why he should be the next chief.
“I’m honest, I’m going to give you 110%,” said Landis. “I’ve always put the job before myself and I would continue to do that.”
Sgt. Kirk Sanders, the fourth and final internal candidate, sat down and informed the Select Board that he withdrew his name from the interview process. Sanders told the board that he’s on track to retire in three years.
As for finding the next chief, Select Board Clerk Russ Fox preferred to “sleep on it” and continue to discuss the matter at the next meeting on December 18. Although Vice-Chairman Joe Deedy was in favor of making a decision right away, Chairman Doug Moglin decided to respect Fox’s wishes .
“I think this is one of the most important responsibilities we could have,” said Moglin. “This is a big decision.”
