<p>In light of gun violence around the country, the Chilmark selectmen Tuesday offered words of gratitude to their town police force, most of which gathered shoulder-to-shoulder in the town hall meeting room.</p>
In light of continued gun violence around the country, the Chilmark selectmen on Tuesday offered words of gratitude to their town police force, most of which gathered shoulder-to-shoulder in the town hall meeting room to be recognized for their service.
“We would not like to say that we are either for X or for Y or for Z,” selectman Warren Doty said, touching on the complex divisions resulting from violence by and against police officers. “But just know that it’s a special time in America today to be a policeman, and it’s something that all of us are thinking about.”
Police chief Brian Cioffi (center): “Every one of us here has been in and around this community for a long time.”
Police chief Brian Cioffi (center): “Every one of us here has been in and around this community for a long time.”
Others shared the sentiment.
“We appreciate what you do, and we also recognize that everyone involved — stripes and colors and creeds — it’s a real difficult time,” selectmen Jim Malkin said, “and we support everyone.”
“I feel like I’m friends with every one of you, and I think I’m lucky to live in a community where I can feel that way,” selectman Bill Rossi said. “I know community policing is a major concern for this force, and I think you treat everyone the same – and I really respect that and admire that about you guys.”
The 11 officers stood quietly in uniform against the wall of the meeting room with their hands folded. They represented the majority of the Chilmark police department, which includes a total of about 18 officers.
Speaking for the department, police chief Brian Cioffi thanked the selectmen for the gesture and added a few words of his own.
“Every one of us here has been in and around this community for a long time,” he said, noting that several have returned after serving in other departments. “It’s one of the reasons why we’ve been able to be successful over the years. We don’t try to distance ourselves from our community. We always try to be around.”
“We thank you guys for doing this,” he told the selectmen.
The brief ceremony concluded with applause.
Comments
Thank you Chilmark
Allouise Morgan EdgartownThank you Chilmark
Kudos to you for publicly acknowledging these brave,devoted officers.
Blessings on every single one of them, may the good Lord keep them safe.
And,to our Island police community, thank you all.
It is comforting to know that you are always out there.
I for one, am very grateful.
What a great show of respect
swe1955 chilmarkWhat a great show of respect,honor and kindness to our police in Chilmark. We are fortunate to live in a community that benefits from an experienced work force .
My son, William, and I lived
Betsy Burmeister Vineyard HavenMy son, William, and I lived in Menemsha for several years. The Police Officers are exceptional people. They were always there for any problem that would arise. Always kind and respectful .William counted them as his friends. We are so fortunate to live on this beautiful island. We are very grateful for the Police Officers who devote their lives to serving our community.
We live in a time that most
Steve Boyleston alabamaWe live in a time that most people never get a pat on the back for any job well done., the values that we once had of congratulating a Job well done Is almost gone., because today most jobs are temporary. Then this leads to workers not being dedicated like they use to be. America has really changed for the worse., no one in any walk of life should be killed. Our police are lucky to make it from one day to the next anymore. Lucky that Chillmark is civilized ., the people there don't live in desperation like the rest of the country. When our Society loses hope., homes and jobs with no end in sight ., then they will do anything. Hats off to these guys for their securing the west end.
I also think the police are
Carol Lampson formerly ChilmarkI also think the police are great. However - Warren Doty (sigh). Not for X or Y or Z? You mean - not for refraining from shooting young black Americans to death for things like a broken taillight? Special time to be a cop - well dears, it's been a "special time" to be black for a really LONG time. Of course, having lived in Chilmark - it just doesn't get any blindingly, snowy whiter than Chilmark. Love the place, but really. Special time? Ugh - crassly insensitive.
Carol,
MikeD WTCarol,
Why do you need to be the party pooper here.
Stir the pot and maybe it will boil, eh.
Almost appears you are trying to insult the residents of Chilmark.
You do know there are black folk who live in Chilmark - don't you?
Hatred will get you nowhere.
Please keep your biased thoughts to yourself.
Thanking you in advance.
Snowy white? This is the
Brian smith ObSnowy white? This is the type of racism we all deplore. Hope we find a way to overcome it.
What a mean spirited thing to
Albert Fischer West TisburyWhat a mean spirited thing to say, you not only slapped the Chilmark police and Selectmen in the face but everyone who lives in the town, shame on you.
I am proud to say that
Erica Bunker Ponte Oak BluffsI am proud to say that Chilmark is my home town..I have the utmost respect for the men and woman who do what they do to make the world a better place.Thank you Chilmark for honoring these policeman...
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