EASTHAMPTON – Former police chief Bruce McMahon said the Easthampton Police Department is like a family.
Many have risen through the ranks, serving numerous years and even decades on the city’s police force.
On Friday, six police officials, including the incoming chief, took an oath and were pinned at a swearing ceremony at Easthampton High School.
Robert Alberti was appointed as Chief of Police by Mayor Karen Cadieux on Nov. 16 and was sworn in on Friday.
“I know the department is in capable hands,” McMahon said. “The officers respect him, the community respects him…He is absolutely the best man for the job.”
Along with Alberti, Capt. Chris Patnode, Lt. William Kelly, Sgt. Dennis Scribner, Detective Eric Alexander and Patrolman Justin Malinowski were sworn in.
“I am fortunate to have such a professional, hard working group of individuals who share my passion for service and commitment to duty,” Alberti said. “We are a resilient organization of men and women who know what it means to serve an amazing and diverse community. We do it with pride, integrity and determination.”
Patnode has served at the Easthampton Police Department for 32 years. He was promoted to sergeant in 1994 and to staff sergeant in 2005.
Kelly first joined the Easthampton Police Department in 1987 as a special officer and appointed full-time the following year. In 1998, he was promoted to sergeant. He served multiple rolls at the department including evidence officer and court supervisor.
“Lieutenant Kelly is one of the most dedicated and devoted officers on our department,” Alberti said.
Scribner, who has served on the department since 2002, was promoted from detective to sergeant on Friday. Along with his duties as sergeant, Scribner will also continue his roles has public information officer, evidence officer, liquor compliance officer and background investigator.
Alexander started at the department almost 10 years ago as a special officer and was hired as a full-time officer in 2010. Three years later, he was selected as a field training officer. As detective, Alexander will also continue his work as the department’s elder affairs liaison officer.
Alexander’s badge was pinned by his grandmother, Marlene Werenski, who served 25 years at the Holyoke Police Department in the crime prevention bureau. Werenski retired as Holyoke’s last police woman before the title was changed to officer.
“It’s an honor,” Werenski said about pinning the badge on her grandson. “I’m so proud.”
Malinowski, a lifelong resident of Easthampton, recently graduated from the Special Police Officer Field Training Program and is the newest patrolman at the department.
“Never forget the pride you felt the first time you pinned that badge on your chest.,” Alberti said to newly promoted police. “Never lose sight of why we chose this profession.”
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.