ANNUAL REPORT TOWN OF GRANBY MASSACHUSETTS FOR ...

areas of responsibility. The sergeants also attended a week long
executive training session organized by the FBI. The training
which happens once a year in our area is tailored to supervisors
and administrators and covers a wide range of issues in all
aspects of law enforcement management. Both sergeants carry a
lot of the responsibility that helps ensure the department runs
efficiently.
Detective Barbara Fenn remains the department’s sole
detective responsible for most in depth follow-up investigations.
Detective Fenn was very busy this year with an increase in
serious crimes and also sexual assault cases. Detective Fenn was
one of a select few that were chosen by the District Attorney’s
Office to attend a training that provides her the certification to be
a forensic interviewer. The training allows her to interview
prospective victims of child sexual assaults. This was a huge
opportunity for both Detective Fenn and the department. Her
thorough method of investigation certainly played a part in the
reason she was chosen and offered this rare opportunity.
Patrolman Gary Poehler continued to work on the four to
midnight shift and was responsible for the training of several new
part-time officers over the course of the year. Patrolman Poehler
has been a great means of training and introducing new
employees to their positions.
Patrolman Robert Ash remained on the midnight shift.
Patrolman Ash is the department’s safety officer and is also
involved with the department’s Dispute Resolution program.
Patrolman Carpenter continued to work with his canine partner
Ralph. The pair has been trained in the detection of illegal drugs
and also to search for people. The duo has been responsible for
assisting in several criminal cases occurring both in Granby and
out. The pair has been used on numerous occasions to help deter
youth drug possession in schools. In May, Ralph was the lucky
recipient of a bullet proof vest donated by the nonprofit group
Vested Interests In K-9s. The organization’s goal is to provide
bullet proof vests to K-9’s free of charge. Patrolman Carpenter
also provided the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program to
sixth grade students in the East Meadow School.
Patrolman Jason Richard was deployed with the military for
the majority of the calendar year. Prior to leaving Patrolman
Richard acted in his assignment as the department’s court liaison
officer. After faithfully serving the country he returned to us in
January. We are glad to have him back safely. Patrolman
Richard is returning to his court liaison assignment.
Patrolman James White maintained his presence in the schools
in his position as the school resource officer. Patrolman White
works hand in hand with school staff to assure a positive and safe
school environment. He also took responsibility for organizing
and running the DARE basketball camps. Patrolman White,
along with a school employee, attended Rape Aggression
Defense (RAD) training. That training certified him to provide
the training to residents and students. The relationship forged
between the schools, students and the police department by way
of the school resource officer is very strong. He remains a
resource to students, staff and parents alike.
Patrolman Stephen Marion was appointed in April to the fulltime
patrol position that was vacated when I was promoted.
Patrolman Marion was a part-time officer prior to his full-time
appointment and was given a one year waiver from the full-time
police academy. Patrolman Marion was assigned the court liaison
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responsibilities while Patrolman Richard was on military leave.
Patrolman Marion is currently attending the Municipal Police
Training Council Academy recruit class at Springfield Technical
Community College. The academy is scheduled to graduate in
late June.
The dispatch center continued to be staffed by both full and
part-time employees. Dispatcher/ Clerk Lynn Menard works the
day shift during the week and tends to a number of administrative
tasks. Dispatcher John Ferriter continued to work the midnight
shift during the week. We also increased our full-time dispatcher
staff by promoting Therese Fagnant from her part-time dispatcher
status. The position, while an increase to our full-time staff
numbers, was the result of attrition of part-time employees. All
of the dispatchers are trained in Emergency Medical Dispatch.
There were other personnel changes during the year as well.
Patrolman Jeff Lawson, Wayne Mark and Ryan Senecal were
appointed to part-time officer positions. Part-time Patrolman
James LaFlamme resigned his part-time position for a full-time
position with the Irving Police Department. Dispatcher Peter
Lantainge also resigned from his part-time dispatch position.
Both employees will be missed and we wish them well in all their
endeavors.
The police department continued to rely heavily on a number
of part-time officers. This year was a particularly important year
in terms of part-time officer’s contribution. The changes in
personnel along with long unusual incidents showed both our
reliance on the part-time officers and their willingness to help
out. Part-time officers work regular shifts during the week and
are also asked to fill in when full-time officers and other parttime
officers are out. Part-time officers are also called in to work
in emergency circumstances. Part-time officers make themselves
available to the department not withstanding their other family
and full-time employment responsibilities. Their contribution to
the effective operation of the department is critical.
The department continued to maintain its commitment to
community policing. Department members were involved in
several different activities. Through our affiliation with the
SALT Council (Seniors And Law Enforcement Together)
and TRIAD, department members took part in two National Drug
Take Back events. The events were organized in a cooperative
effort involving several different organizations including the
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The goal of the
program is to give residents a safe means to dispose of unused or
expired medications. In Granby alone the program collected
approximately 150 pounds of medications. Department members
also participated in the annual senior picnic at Dufresne’s park.
The senior picnic has become a tradition that both the community
and the department members look forward to each year.
Department members participated in community events such
as the Men Who Cook fundraiser for the Granby Band and a
Men Who Read Program organized by the schools. We also
provided different crime awareness informational presentations
for the Granby PM club and other civic groups.
Officer Carpenter delivered the Drug Abuse Resistance
Education program to the sixth grade classes at East Meadow
School.
The department held the annual DARE summer basketball and
soccer camps. The camps provide a great opportunity to keep
the department connected to the community and gives children a