Tisbury's new police chief on duty

By Janet Hefler - September 7, 2006

Capt. John G. Cashin pinned a shiny gold badge to his new blue uniform after being sworn in as Tisbury's chief of police by town clerk Marion Mudge at the selectmen's meeting Tuesday evening.

In addition to the town's three selectmen, various town officials and community members, plus a large group of Captain Cashin's friends and family, filled the audience. After he completed his oath of office, two women unfurled a bright yellow banner with red letters that read, "Hail to the Chief! Congratulations, John."

Selectman Denys Wortman remarked that hiring Chief Cashin involved a team effort and that he hoped the future relationship between the town and the new chief would continue in that vein. Tristan Israel, chairman of the selectmen, announced that the new police chief managed to find a place to live close to town and probably would be very accessible to the public on his walks to and from work.

"Why don't you just give them the address?" Chief Cashin ribbed him.

Before the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Israel thanked Officer Timothy Stobie "for stepping up to the plate" and serving as acting chief since June. Before calling for a vote on the new chief's contract, Mr. Israel asked Mr. Cashin if everything had been in order when he signed the document.

"I moved a couple of decimal points around - I hope you don't mind," Mr. Cashin joked.

"That depends on which way," Mr. Pachico responded with a laugh. The selectmen approved his contract unanimously.

Before leaving the meeting to celebrate with his family and friends, Chief Cashin asked the selectmen (with mock seriousness) for permission to leave, which they granted with smiles. Before he could get out the door, his cell phone rang. As Chief Cashin glanced down to check it, Fire Chief John Schilling gave himself away as the perpetrator, as he broke into a fit of laughter.

The new police chief formerly served as the investigative services commander in the Norwalk (Conn.) Department of Police Services. Although Chief Cashin was officially retired, the department offered a special program that allowed him to stay on the job for five years.

He worked his way up in the department, starting as a patrol officer in 1981. He achieved the rank of lieutenant in 1998 and captain in 2001. Chief Cashin holds a Master of Arts degree in criminal justice and a Master of Science degree in counseling.

His three-year contract with the town of Tisbury includes a starting salary of $80,388 for the first year and subsequent step increases over the next two years as approved at town meeting. The position was advertised in March with a salary range of $64,332 to $80,514.

The selectmen also agreed to pay Chief Cashin a lump sum payment of $6,000 in his first month of employment toward moving expenses. If he leaves his post before March 5, 2008, the money must be repaid to the town.

Chief Cashin was hired following a year-long process after the Tisbury selectmen voted not to renew former police Chief Ted Saulnier's contract in June 2005, due to a salary dispute. His salary for fiscal year 2005 was $81,328. The former chief, who holds a law degree, had requested an additional $6,000 in educational incentive pay during contract negotiations with the selectmen.