WESTFIELD-Officer Mark Carboneau wants seniors to think of him as a “family member in uniform.”
Carboneau, a member of the city’s Community Police Unit, will be available by appointment to meet with seniors who have concerns at the new Senior Safety Office within the Westfield Senior Center.
Mark Carboneau, a member of the community policing unit, will be available by appointment to meet with seniors at the Westfield Senior Center. His office will be located in the center’s entrance area.
Since Carboneau’s policing area incorporates the Westfield Housing Authority’s senior complexes (Dolan-Ely, Kennedy, and the McGinn Apartments), Tina Gorman, director of the Westfield Council on Aging, said she felt Carboneau would be a perfect fit for the office.
“Mark has worked closely with the Council on Aging staff on a range of cases and issues involving older adults,” said Gorman when discussing her original rationale for having a liaison from the police department to address a multitude of issues that seniors face.
“He understands the complexities of the physical, psychological, social, cognitive, and financial status of our mutual clients,” said Gorman. “Working together, we are often able to de-escalate a situation and arrive at a mutual resolution.”
For Carboneau, a lifelong resident who has been on the force for 26 years, he is always stopping in to the senior center when time allows to chat with city residents and to hear their concerns.
“I’m a voice for them,” said Carboneau, adding that Police Chief John Camerota is always “promoting public service” in the police department. “I enjoy talking with people and serving in my community.”
Gorman will conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 2 at 9 a.m. to introduce Carboneau to the city’s seniors. A host of breakfast treats will also be provided as part of the festivities.
Westfield police officer Officer Mark Carboneau (r) stands with Council on Aging Director Tina Gorman (l) outside the soon to open Senior Safety Office located within the Westfield Senior Center. (WNG file photo)
While some seniors may not feel comfortable going to police headquarters, Carboneau is hopeful that the new location will provide an easier way to access the police department.
“Don’t be intimidated if you have a concern,” said Carboneau. “If it is important to you than it is important to us.”
Gorman concurred.
“It has been the experience of the Council on Aging staff that our request for police involvement and their request for our involvement often involves issues related to housing, mental health, protective services, scams, dementia, driving, and interpersonal relationships,” said Gorman.
Gorman noted that during FY2017, 3,242 older adults used the senior center for services, programs and activities.
“During the first half of FY2018, we have already added 331 individuals to that number,” said Gorman.
For Carboneau’s part, he said it is important to let seniors know there are resources for them in obtaining services – from Meals on Wheels to unruly neighbors.
“I have parents who are seniors which helps me to recognize the needs of the community,” said Carboneau. “I want to help seniors have the most productive life as they can.”
