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Date: 12/26/2023
EASTHAMPTON — Police Chief Robert J. Alberti of the Easthampton Police Department has been named president of Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, an organization made up of those who lead departments in the state’s four westernmost counties; Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden.
“I am honored and humbled to have been selected by the Western Mass Chiefs as the President of our Association,” Alberti stated. “Over the past few years, we have collectively worked hard together to approach and resolve many of our shared community matters and we will continue to do so.”
Office Manager Cynthia Perry, who has worked with Alberti for over 20 years, said, “As chief for the past seven years, he has been an outstanding leader and mentor, dedicated to the betterment of his department and the community.”
She went on to say, “Chief Alberti has always demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and has been an exceptional role model for his team, supporting and encouraging our personal and professional growth. I am truly fortunate to have Chief Alberti as my boss and I appreciate his hard work and commitment to Easthampton Police Department.”
Alberti began his career in the private sector, but like many police officers, a career in law enforcement was a calling for him to have an opportunity to give back to the community, commit to the mission of public safety and common humanity. Alberti started as a special police officer in Easthampton, then became a full-time police officer, was promoted to detective, was assigned to the DEA Task Force and FBI Terrorism Task Force, and eventually was promoted to captain. Upon the retirement of Chief Bruce McMahon he was promoted to chief.
Alberti was previously selected to serve by the Western Massachusetts chiefs as the second vice president, the first vice president. The position of president entails meetings and networking with chiefs from all four counties in Western Massachusetts, the state Legislature, Massachusetts Police Training Council, the POST Commission and Western Massachusetts communities, in an effort to work cohesively together to problem solve the many challenges facing policing today. Some of these include; recruitment, hiring, retention, navigating POST, mental health, several different legislations in the State House, violent crimes, hate crimes and gun violence in Western Mass.
“I want to continue to support the difficult work of our Police Chiefs and provide guidance as we continue to navigate policing here in Western Mass.,” Alberti said. “I look forward to working with some of the most amazing law enforcement leaders in the nation, right here in western Mass,” Alberti said.
Alberti told Reminder Publishing the WMCOPA is hitting the ground running in continuing the organization’s work and outgoing President and Hadley Police Chief Michael Mason’s leadership. He is still committed to the amazing men and women of the Easthampton Police Department and that will always come first. Having a team of WMCOPA Executive Board chairs will help spread the workload along with executive director, retired Southwick Chief David Ricardi.
“The most fulfilling part of all of this is meeting and getting to know so many different people all over Western Mass. that truly care about their communities and are committed to keeping them safe,” Alberti concluded.