I count myself as one of the lucky ones. I had the privilege of working for Robert J. Garvey spanning the 32 years of his tenure as sheriff. Through watching him, listening to him and learning from him, I came to know “The Sheriff” as a man who personifies excellence in public service and as a man who helped countless individuals turn their lives around.
Sheriff Garvey believes in second chances, more if necessary. He is no-nonsense, but with a big-hearted approach, and a quick wit. He is a mentor to so many, but also a friend who supported me emphatically and with tremendous empathy during a long and serious family illness. The pride that I felt reading Nathaniel Reade’s feature in the Boston Glove magazine (Aug. 11) is enormous and I congratulate him on his depiction and for capturing the nuances.
Sheriff Garvey’s stature and leadership will be missed at the Hampshire County Jail, but his influence, achievements and triumphs will endure. So will the memories of his whistling down the corridors, signaling his proximity.
GEORGE SYMBORSKI
Southampton