The Massachusetts Environmental Police command a higher profile on Martha’s Vineyard than they do in many mainland communities, simply by virtue of the fact that hunting, recreational and commercial fishing, and shellfishing, boating, and environmental awareness are mainstays of Vineyard culture.
The environmental police are responsible for enforcing state hunting, fishing, and environmental regulations. Once referred to as a game warden, the beat of the environmental police officer (EPO) cuts across the Island’s six town boundaries and includes the woodlands, fields, and surrounding waters.
Islanders tend to know the name of their environmental police officer, and do not hesitate to call when they think an issue needs attention — be it a derelict boat at a public launch ramp, illegal fishing or hunting activity, or dirt bike riding.
Following an 18-month period during which the Vineyard was wIthout a full-time assigned officer, this month newly minted Environmental Police Sergeant Mike Silba began his Island assignment. A veteran of the Coast Guard, and a father and grandfather, he said he expects to spend the next several weeks getting to know people and introducing himself to members of the Island’s various law enforcement agencies with whom he expects to work closely.
In a conversation Thursday aboard his patrol boat, Sergeant Silba, 57, a native of Brockton and resident of East Bridgewater for the past 30 years, spoke about the job of being an environmental police officer and the sense of personal satisfaction it brings him.
The Environmental Police is something of a second act. In 1999, Chief Silba retired after 20 years in the Coast Guard. Over that span of time he participated in drug interdiction patrols, served on a cutter and buoy tender, helped decommission both Nantucket Lightship I and II, and was an instructor at Governor’s Island New York.
He found a sense of purpose in the Coast Guard that was appealing to him. “The teamwork and camaraderie and just being part of something that is bigger than you — I fall right in place with that military mindset,” he said.
He was applying to join various police departments when the Environmental Police called. Given the focus on boating and water-related responsibilities, it was a natural transition to make. He said there are many similarities, including law enforcement and a military structure.
He has three grown children, two daughters and a son, all married and successful. He admits to being a proud father and grandfather several times over. “I am very fortunate,” he said. “I feel very, very lucky.”
When not on the job, he enjoys spending time with his longtime girlfriend or engaged in one of his many hobbies, which no longer include boating, hunting, and fishing. “I have a Harley-Davidson, and I have an addiction to sports cars and bicycling — I’m pretty active for my age,” he said.
His EPO career has included stints on the Cape, the Boston Harbor Marine Unit for about seven years, and for the past seven years the Bridgewater–495 corridor, which included patrolling lakes and woodlands. He said he also participates in motor vehicle stops for moving violations. “It’s not our primary function, of course,” he said.
He expects to commute to the Vineyard and “spend a night here and there,” particularly during hunting season. For now, he has begun the process of meeting people on his new beat. Asked what he would like to tell Islanders, he said, “I am here for whatever it is that they need.”
He said that when he is not here, other EPOs are available to follow up. “We are here to assist and work with all other departments,” he said.
Asked what is rewarding about the job of an EPO, he said, “One of the things I really enjoy is that no two days are ever the same. Working with all the other departments — trying to make my little difference in a difficult world.”
As with any police work, the job also has its frustrations. In the marine environment, he said, it can be difficult to get across to people, many of whom may have years of experience on the water, why safety equipment is not only required, but necessary. Not everyone out for a day of fun on the water on a clear, nice day is gracious when stopped. Sergeant Silba said it is all about safety.
This time of the year, Sergeant Silba is often at the helm of a distinctive green patrol boat. Enforcing the regulations with regard to personal floatation devices (PFDs) and safe boating rules is high on the priority list. State law requires that children under the age of 12 must wear a PFD when on a boat.
“Between this job and my Coast Guard years, I’ve been to a lot of tragedies,” Sergeant Silba said, “most of which were avoidable.”
He said even experienced boaters and swimmers may panic in an emergency situation when not wearing a PFD.
Boaters who do not have the required number of PFDs on board or allow children to be in a boat without a PFD can expect a citation. “I don’t give warnings on life jackets,” he said.
Calling all sergeants
The Island has been without an assigned EPO following the departure of Sergeant Kenneth Clayton more than 18 months ago. The Island’s high cost of living remains a challenge for any individual who would like to take up residence. The posting, which calls for an individual with the rank of sergeant, also tends to be filled by officers with seniority who already have roots in a community they may be hesitant to leave.
Advancement in rank is one of the enticements for rank-and-file officers who score well on the civil service test to seek the Vineyard post, which comes with no requirement that an officer remain for a specified period or that he or she reside here.
In previous comments, Lieut. Colonel Chris Baker, former acting director of the Environmental Police, said the Nantucket and Vineyard posts are reserved for sergeants because of the relatively isolated nature of the islands, and the need for an experienced individual who has the confidence and sense of discretion from years on the job that would allow him or her to feel comfortable acting independently.
The commute is not counted as part of the officer’s 8.5-hour patrol.
The last resident EPO was William “Bill” Searle, a resident of Edgartown, who worked closely with Island sportsmen and police departments. After 26 years, in 2004, Sergeant Searle retired.
Sergeant Pat Grady, a Sandwich resident, commuted to the Vineyard for five years before he transferred to a mainland district. After eight months during which the Vineyard was without a dedicated EPO, in July 2009, Sergeant Matt Bass, a resident of Bourne with strong Island connections and in-laws, took up the post. After three years patrolling the Island, Sergeant Bass, now a lieutenant, was assigned to the Lower Cape and Falmouth.
Sergeant Mike Camire of Falmouth replaced Sergeant Matt Bass for one year, followed by Sergeant Clayton.