Chilmark swears in new police chief
Chilmark residents, town officials, and law enforcement officials from across the Island attended a ceremony at the Chilmark police headquarters Wednesday to install the town's new chief of police.
Brian Cioffi has been an officer with the Chilmark police department for nine years. He replaces Timothy Rich, who retired July 1 after more than 30 years of service.
Chilmark selectman Warren Doty thanked Chief Rich for his years of service and for his dedication to the community.
Chief Cioffi thanked his predecessor for the departing chief's model of hard work. The new police leader said that he looks forward to continuing Mr. Rich's tradition of working closely with the town on community issues. "I just want to thank everyone for their support," he added. "I have some big shoes to fill."
In turn, Chief Rich wished his successor good fortune and longevity. He also offered some advice. He said the key to success is to be connected to the community and to remain visible and approachable for town residents and officials.
"Community policing is the buzzword now in law enforcement," Mr. Rich said. "Smaller towns have been practicing it for years, because the same people you deal with on a day in and day out basis approve your budget at the town meeting, and your pay."
As for his own agenda, Chief Cioffi said he plans to focus on fiscal conservatism within his department and on continuing to promote public safety within the community. "We're starting to work on getting a little more involvement in the schools and providing some programs for the kids in the summertime," he said. "Things like bike safety awareness programs and child seat safety programs. We definitely don't want to reduce what we do for public safety."
