It is a pleasure and a privilege to be authoring my first annual town report as your chief of police. I look forward to meeting and working with the citizen's of this community in a combined effort to continue building upon the foundation established by Chief William Chase, and Interim Chief William George. Walking into an organization after it has had the benefit of being led by very intelligent, capable, and caring individuals has left me at a good starting point from which to implement measures that will ensure the continued feeling of safety and the quality of life you have all come to expect here in Harvard. I would like to personally thank Chief Chase and Chief George for their service to the town and for their assistance in making my transition into the chief's position virtually seamless. I wish both of these gentlemen the best of luck in their future endeavors.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Personnel Board, and the various department heads that participated in the chief's selection process. I was extremely impressed with the level of professionalism exhibited by these folks during the selection process. My experience with them made the decision to accept the Chief's position one I could make without any reservations. Having served on selection committees in the past, I recognize the work and commitment involved in such an undertaking andcan assure the citizens of Harvard that they were well served by these individuals.
In addition to my coming on board as Chief, there were several other personnel changes that took place within the police department over the last year. Officer Mary Beth Hebert left the department to explore other career opportunities after eight years of distinguished service. I never had the chance to work with Officer Hebert, but from what I understand, she was a valuable asset to the department and the community that is greatly missed.
Last year we also saw the addition of Officers Kim Grady, James Babu, Danielle Paganelli, and Peter Seminara to our roster. These officers come to Harvard with a wide range of experience that, I'm sure, will prove to be beneficial to the town in the years to come.
2003 was the police department's first full year in the new public safety facility. Having a state of the art facility from which to conduct police operations makes our ability to deliver police services much easier and makes for a much more user-friendly police department for members of the public. The town should be extremely proud of this facility as it represents the level of quality and professionalism I think that everyone in Harvard is accustomed to.
Over the next year I am looking forward to serving as your new chief. It is my hope that the relationship forged will be one that will last for many years to come. I am firmly committed to the members of this community, and the members of this department, to steadfastly carry out my duties as Chief of Police fairly, with the goal of doing what is in the best interest of the community as a whole.
I wish all of you health and happiness in 2004. If there is anything I can do in my capacity as Chief of Police for anyone please do not hesitate to contact me, my door is always open.
Respectfully submitted,
Chief Edward D. Denmark
Chief of Police
