EASTHAMPTON — On Veterans Day, the Easthampton Police Department did more than honor those who served the United States in the military.
It acted, by creating a new position to focus on veteran affairs.
Sgt. Bruce Nicol was appointed as the department’s veterans liaison officer on Saturday. When a call involves a veteran, Nicol will be the go-to guy, on the case if available, and conducting follow-ups, Police Chief Robert Alberti said.
“What we clearly worry about is PTSD and the invisible wounds of war,” Alberti said, noting that some veterans develop a mental illness. “The suicide rate of veterans is double the national average.”
Nicol will also be a point of contact for the city’s Veterans Council, American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Veterans Association, to help with support and services.
Alberti said Nicol is a “perfect fit” for the role.
Nicol has been in law enforcement for 32 years and has served on the Easthampton Police Department since 1994. He’s done volunteer work for Homeward Vets, which provides home furnishings to veterans who are transitioning from homelessness to a home. Nicol’s 23-year-old daughter recently joined the Army, so his new position is personal in more than one way.
Alberti said liaison positions are created in areas where there is a need, such as elder affairs and domestic violence. Liaison officers focus on their specific area of concern while also carrying out their regular duties. Nicol said over the three decades he’s been a police officer, he’s dealt with many veterans on the job. “There’s such a need for this in the area,” Nicol said.
This month, the department has been participating in Home Base First Responder No-Shave November campaign. Officers have been growing out their facial hair to raise money for Home Base, which aims to help veterans and their families heal from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
But Nicol wanted to do more and stepped up to be there for veterans on a regular basis.
Alberti said the position is a way to “help those who served us.”
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.