Southwick Reserve Officer Keith Stomgren, Police Chief Kevin A. Bishop and Reserve Officer Jesse Rizzo stand together after a recognition of the two reserve officers’ retirement. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – Southwick Police Department reserve officers Keith Stomgren and Jesse Rizzo were honored last week for their years of service.
The two men retired after 39 and 27 years, respectively.
Police Chief Kevin A. Bishop said Stomgren began his career with the SPD in 1978 working in maintenance, then became a dispatcher and joined the reserve force in 1980.
Bishop touted Stomgren’s “outstanding achievements and dedication” last week when Stomgren and Rizzo received certificates of appreciation form the Southwick Select Board.
Stomgren thanked everyone and recalled the early years when he would bring his children with him to work on road details before school.
Stomgren said he looked forward to retirement.
“I’m going to get some things done that I’ve neglected the past 39 years,” he joked.
Rizzo worked as a Connecticut corrections officer and auxiliary police officer in Springfield and West Springfield before joining the SPD in 1994 as a reserve officer.
Bishop said he could always count on Rizzo.
“He was one of my ‘Go-to’ guys,” he said, noting that when a police officer was out on medical leave Rizzo stepped in as a provisional police officer to help the town.
Rizzo noted that since Bishop became chief last year, he sees smiles as he walks through the station.
“I consider it a privilege and pleasure to work with a small family unit,” Rizzo said. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve, honestly.”
Hope E. Tremblay can be reached at [email protected].
