Date: 2/11/2016
I am writing in support of our current police chief, Doug Mellis. I was dismayed to learn that his contract with the town was not renewed. I wish Selectman Gorman and Selectman Thorpe could have worked with him on the budget issue.
Since the amount of overtime assigned within the department is not satisfactory, perhaps a staffing problem is at work here.
After 11 years of service to our community, Chief Mellis deserves more respect than he has been shown. The action by the board to terminate the contract for these reasons could also affect department morale. Our men and women in blue deserve every penny they earn. Each day they put on their uniform, we ask them to stand between us and all that ails society, especially in this post-9/11 era. The need for training and professional development should not be underestimated. I am afraid it had been.
In regard to the residency requirement, I believe it is a poor idea. That stipulation has the potential to foster a sense of entitlement and limits the pool of eligible applicants for the position.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Chief Mellis for his service to our town. He is a member of a very special vocation in life and he can feel great praise in that
Anna Paige
East Longmeadow
