GARRET PARKER
ANDREW SMITH
SOUTHWICK – Garret Parker and Andrew Smith are the town’s new reserve police officers.
The Board of Selectmen selected the men for two open positions last night. The selectmen asked each candidate the same three questions in open session: What have you done to prepare yourself as a reserve police officer; How would you deal with someone who is not listening; and Do you think the public holds police to higher standards when off duty and how do you feel about this?
Parker, 24, is a Southwick resident who has been waiting for his chance to serve the town. He is a Westfield Auxiliary Police officer who has clocked more than 300 volunteer hours with both in Westfield and Southwick police.
“I have helped Sgt. Sanders with the Citizen Police Academy course four times, and I’ve helped Sgt. Krutka with his canine,” said Parker.
When dealing with a person who is not listening, Parker said he would first attempt to calm the person down and talk to them. He said if the person was willing to speak to another officer, he would try to connect with another officer or supervisor.
Parker said he did believe police officers should be held to a higher standard when off-duty.
“If someone sees you being a jerk, they’re going to think negatively about the department,” said Parker.
Parker told the Board he has wanted to join the Southwick Police Department for many years and they would not regret hiring him.
“If you hire me, I’m going to be the best damn reserve officer you’ve ever had,” said Parker. “I want this job – I’ve wanted it for years.”
Smith, 25, is currently a reserve officer in Longmeadow. He received his Associates Degree in forensic science from Holyoke Community College and a criminal justice degree from Westfield State University. He began his career as an intern in the Amherst Police Department and then served Amherst as a constable. He joined the Longmeadow department in 2012.
Smith said when dealing with a person who does not listen, the first thing to do is be calm and try to calm the person down.
“I try to reason with people,” he said. “I’d say ‘this is what I want you to do and if you don’t comply, this is what will happen’.”
He said he would fall back on his training and remain professional.
As far as being held to a higher standard by the public, Smith said officers should also hold themselves to a higher standard.
Police Chief David Ricardi recommended both men for the open positions and said they would be required to work four hours per month, but there would be “plenty of other work” for them.
