SOUTHWICK – The Select Board recognized four members of the Southwick Police Department for their heroic efforts when dealing with a dangerous incident that took place a month ago.
Sgt. Tom Krutka, Officer Kyle Sanders, Officer Paul Miles, and Dispatcher James Frenette were all congratulated by the board and given the “Exceptional Duty Award” by Chief Ricardi. The award is within the department and given out by Ricardi when he sees fit.
Southwick Police Department. (WNG File Photo)
Early in the morning on December 18, 2017, Krutka and Sanders were dispatched by Frenette to a residence in town because of a report of a disorderly person. In the letter that Southwick Police Chief David Ricardi sent to the Select Board, it describes the incident that the officers faced.
“While they were in route to the address, they received an update from Dispatcher Frenette who related the disorderly person had now barricaded himself in a bedroom and had related that if the police want to take him out, they are going to have to shoot him or they are going to get cut.”
Once arriving on scene, the 20-year-old male, who had a knife in his hand, continued to make threats towards the two officers and both Krutka and Sanders made numerous attempts to de-escalate the situation. Officer Miles was then called to the scene and helped the other two officers.
After almost an hour standoff with the individual, Krutka made the split-second decision to not use more lethal force, and instead, he issued a taser on the disorderly person. Krutka was pleased with the outcome of the incident.
“We were able to subdue him and handcuff him,” said Krutka.
The police department has had tasers for about five years due to receiving enough fundraising to buy them and have become a tool that the officers are glad to have at their disposal.
“A taser is an awesome tool and one of the best tools introduced to law enforcement,” said Krutka.
Ricardi, who ended up arriving at the scene himself, expressed how proud he was of the way his officers handled that particular situation.
“They handled it textbook,” said Ricardi. “It was perfect.”
