Our heart-felt congratulations go out to Dave Smolinsky and his family for his recent promotion to Police Sergeant on the Walpole Police Force. Dave is also an RTM from Precinct 1!
Here's the story from today's Daily News Transcript
By Keith Ferguson/Daily News staff
Daily News Transcript
Posted Feb 11, 2009 @ 12:35 AM
WALPOLE —
Officer Dave Smolinsky, a Walpole native and 13-year veteran of the force, was promoted to sergeant last night in an unanimous vote by selectmen.
In his interview with selectmen, Smolinsky said participating in police programs that deal directly with the community has helped him in becoming a better leader.
"A lot of people think being a police officer is all about arresting bad guys," Smolinsky said. "There's a lot more we do."
Smolinsky has been heavily involved in the child passenger safety seat program in town and was integral in recently securing a $20,000 grant for safety equipment. He also signed up last year for the force's new school mentor program where officers are assigned to elementary schools to talk with students on occasion and develop positive relationships.
"When you deal with people in a positive fashion, it has a lasting impact," he told the selectmen.
Selectmen also considered Walpole Officers Chris Mackenzie and Joe Zanghetti for the promotion made available by the retirement of Sgt. Steven Kenney some time ago.
Selectmen Chairman Cathie Winston commented several times how lucky the town is to have three very qualified in-house candidates.
Ultimately the board relied on the recommendations of Police Chief Richard Stillman and the department's commanding officers to break what Selectmen Chris Timson called a "photo finish" between the applicants.
"They're three good guys," Stillman told the board. "You would have made a good decision with any of them."
The chief did add that making a recommendation was difficult since all of them show great potential. He assured the board, who were disheartened about telling Mackenzie and Zanghetti, that the two young officers would receive plenty of other opportunities for promotion.
Smolinsky said he sought the promotion so he could help improve the department and guide new officers in the department.
He said he is aware times are tough, but he would eventually like to see more officers on the force, improve technology and have the department pay for more training courses for officers.
The biggest obstacle in becoming a sergeant, Smolinsky said, would simply be acclimating himself to the new position and its responsibilities.
Smolinsky grew up on Winter Street and has lived in Walpole for 35 years. He now lives in East Walpole.
Best of luck in he new position Dave, and we look forward to seeing you around town, and at Town Meeting in May.
JWR
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