HATFIELD — There’s a new chief in town.
Michael Dekoschak, an Ashfield resident who has worked for the town’s Police Department since 2011, was sworn into the position Wednesday. Mark Ruddock, who previously served on the Hadley Police Department, was sworn in as a patrolman.
Dekoschak’s position is known as a “working” chief, which means not only will he do all the administrative work for the department, he will also be out on patrol.
Dekoschak said the department gets calls for everything. While major incidents are rare, he said they do happen.
With three full-time officers and 10 part-time officers serving a town of roughly 3,200 people, Dekoschak said the biggest challenge for Hatfield police is personnel demands. The three full-time officers include the chief, sergeant and a patrolman.
“Filling shifts can be difficult,” he said, adding that like many departments, budget constraints leave the department short on staff.
“Tax rates can only go up so high,” he said.
Dekoschak will earn an annual salary of $65,000. The biggest change from going from lieutenant to chief? Signing paperwork.
The new chief was one of 40 applicants for the position. When it came down to the final two candidates, the Select Board said Dekoschak’s roughly 30-year experience in small-town policing set him apart.
The other finalist was John Delaney, a 35-year veteran in the Springfield Police Department.
Dekoschak came to Hatfield six years ago, first as a sergeant before being promoted to lieutenant. He believes his background in Hatfield and other small towns, such as Buckland, is an asset when it comes to his new role as chief.
When it comes to working in a small town, Dekoschak said it’s important to be amenable to everyone.
“You see the same people every day,” Dekoschak said. “How you treat them makes a big difference.”
Dekoschak replaced former chief Thomas Osley, who retired on June 30.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.