Hadley Police Department History

History of the Hadley Police Department

Introduction

The Hadley Police Department of today serves a community of over 5,000 residents, and more than 100,000 motorists per day on Russell Street (Route 9) alone. Russell Street in Hadley is the home of hundreds of commercial establishments, and is also the main travel route between Amherst and Northampton connecting commuters traveling Interstate 91 to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Outside of Route 9, the Town of Hadley is primarily a farming community.

The Police Department operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year, covering the entirety of the 24.7 square miles of the Town of Hadley, as well as nine miles of state Routes 9 and 116.

As of 2024, there are 18 Full-Time Sworn Police Officers, including the Chief, two Lieutenants and five Sergeants. The department also employs between 2-3 reserve officers and an on-call Animal Control Officer, seven full-time and four part-time dispatchers, including the dispatch supervisor and a dispatcher trainer, as well as one full-time administrative assistant. In 2021, the police department began a Co-Response Model in conjunction with Clinical Support Options who provide clinicians to respond to mental health crisis calls. In conjunction with other area police departments, advocates from the Center of Women and Community at UMass work within the police department assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The department has both a Lieutenant and a Detective on-call for emergency supervisory and investigative responses 24/7.

As a result of the on-going Route 9 construction, close to 20 civilian staff, mostly retired police officers, direct traffic when police officers are not available. Their pay is exclusively from the state’s construction budget.

Our cruiser fleet consists of approximately 12 marked and unmarked cruisers, and four retired patrol cruisers for use on construction details.

Among our officers, we have a School Resource Officers, Detectives, Community Outreach Officers, and Traffic Safety Officer. Several officers hold positions relative to Drug Abuse and Sexual Assault Response, and all officers are certified in Crisis Intervention and De-Escalation.

The Town of Hadley falls within the jurisdiction of the Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown, the Hampshire/Franklin County Juvenile Court in Hadley, and the Northampton Superior Court. Court cases are prosecuted by the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office in Northampton.

The Town of Hadley falls within the Troop B-6 area of the Massachusetts State Police.

Hadley is surrounded by Sunderland to the north, Amherst and UMass Amherst to the east, South Hadley and Holyoke to the south, and Northampton, Easthampton and Hatfield to the west. Approximately ¼ of the campus of UMass Amherst falls within the geographical boundaries of the Town of Hadley, including the Mullins Center and McGuirk Stadium.

Being located central to the Five College area draws in student population and employees from UMass Amherst, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and Amherst College. These schools draw students from all over the US and abroad. As a result of this central location and the town’s very inexpensive tax rate, commercial growth has flourished for decades bringing in malls and businesses based locally and nationally.

Students at these schools and residents of Hampshire County find in Hadley the closest Target store, one of the two of the closest Wal-Marts in the County (closest for 4 of the 5 colleges), the closest Aldi’s store and the only Whole Foods in Western Massachusetts, Home Depot and Lowe's (the only community in Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire County to have both in the same town), and the only Trader Joe's west of Worcester. Additional stores and locations that have limited or no other locations locally are Old Navy, Panera Bread, Marshalls, Michaels, Dicks Sporting Goods, Harbor Freight, and JC Penny to name a few. There are also several hotels, and the only indoor shopping mall in Hampshire and Franklin County.

Being home to many of these retail establishments bring in many people from all over Western Massachusetts and New England to seek out the services from these establishments, as well as significant retail theft crime attracting crime rings from all over New England and New York State. 

Our location between Interstate 91 and UMass Amherst brings in significant traffic from the Springfield and Hartford Metropolitan areas; not to mention the number of rental properties that house local college students.

All of this has contributed to the significant growth of the police department since the turn of the century, requiring the department to nearly double in size since.

NOTICE

Early statistics are not recorded in the same manner as they are today. “Arrests” included offenses that today are no longer considered “arrests”; for example, speeding and drunkenness used to be considered arrestable, while today they are not. Accidents were also counted in total, which is not to the same standard as today, where only crashes resulting in $1000.00 in damage or more, or where there were personal injuries are recorded as crash data.

Data compiled here is extracted from Town Reports, Assessor’s Data, Archived Police Reports, and News sources.

Invitations

Anyone with relevant significant historical Hadley Police related events that is supported by documentation such as news articles and is not listed here, are invited to send supporting documentation to the Chief of Police. It will then be evaluated for historical relevance and a determination made if it will be added.

The Hadley Police Department invites the public to view our lobby showcase which has several historical documents, equipment, and department artifacts. Those include an array of Hadley Police Department Badges, Patches and Equipment.

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Hadley Town Constables can be found throughout the history of Hadley dating back to 1662 where Stephen Terry was the first elected Constable of Hadley. Early Constables were the collectors of taxes or rates.

It wasn’t until 1930 that Constable Frank Reardon, submitted a report to the town detailing the responses of the Town Constables for the year 1929. In 1929, the Constables responded to 237 calls, of which, and is still true for today, a majority of the calls were motor vehicle related. There were 23 crashes, and 21 arrests or summons for Negligent Driving, Drunk Driving, and Speeding. This information was simply listed in the Town Report under “Police Report”.

In 1930, the Town Report lists Frank Reardon as the “Acting Chief” and the department under which the report is listed, is shown for the first time as “Police Department”. Town Constables were responsible for enforcement of laws alongside police into the 1980’s, although due to current police certification requirements, today’s elected Constables post town warrants and serve as election and town meeting security.

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Listing of Chiefs of Police

1930 to 1937 - Frank Reardon

1938 to 1939 - Joseph Wanczyk

1939 to 1942 - John Kowal

1943 to 1945 - Tony Gesiorek

1946 to 1949 - Joseph Wanczyk

1950 to 1960 - Tony Gesiorek

1961 to 1975 - Frank Koloski

1976 to 1985 - Adolph Pipczynski

1986 to 1987 - Richard Grader (acting)

1988 to 2013 - Dennis Hukowicz

2013 to 2014 - Damion Shanley (acting)

2015 to Present - Michael A. Mason

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Occurrences/Information by Year (as available through the town reports)

1930 - The department purchased a new Indian Motorcycle Model 1930.

• Motorcycle Officer Harold Pelissier was killed in the Line of Duty while escorting an ambulance to the hospital when a pedestrian stepped in front of his motorcycle. The collision resulted in the death of the pedestrian, and the officer after striking a utility pole.
• There were 234 calls for service, 59 arrests or summons, and 29 motor vehicle crashes.

1931 - Officer Frank Kowal was killed in the Line of Duty after his motorcycle struck a curb near the Coolidge Bridge.

• The full circumstances of the accident and his death were never discovered.
• Frank Reardon is listed as the Chief of Police.
• There were 58 arrests or summons, 28 motor vehicle accidents, two of which resulted in fatalities

1932 - Chief Reardon requests funding for a row-boat for emergency use after a drowning accident.

• There were 191 calls for service, 96 arrests or summons issued in Hadley by Hadley and State Police, and 38 motor vehicle crashes. There was also one manslaughter case.
• 1933- Chief Reardon states in his annual report that it would seem that traffic lights would have to be installed, especially at the intersection of Russell Street and Middle Street.
• There were 209 calls for service, 110 arrests and summons, and 81 motor vehicle crashes, one of which was fatal.

1934 - Chief Reardon reports that a traffic engineer was sent from the Governor’s Safety Committee and would report on the type of traffic control systems needed for the intersection of Russell and Middle Streets.

• There were 239 calls, 70 arrests/summons, 70 motor vehicle accidents with three fatalities.

1935 - The Hadley Police Department assisted in the nine-day manhunt for John Bey.

• Bey was the suspected killer of Ellington Ct. Town Constable John B. DeCarli. Chief Reardon was in contact with another person who was in contact with Bey, and his surrender was ultimately negotiated. Over 100 police officers and state troopers were involved in the manhunt.
• There were 236 phone and radio calls, 103 arrests/summons, and 68 motor vehicle accidents.

1936- Chief Reardon reports the 1936 flood, and suggests that a Safety Committee be organized to take care of emergencies such as the flood.

• There were 219 phone and radio calls, 126 arrests/summons, 57 motor vehicle crashes, three of which were fatal.

1937 - Chief Reardon resigned, and John Kowal was appointed Chief October 9, 1937

• There were 171 phone and radio calls, 210 arrests/summons, 32 motor vehicle crashes, one of which was fatal.

1938 - Report from Chief of Police Joseph Wanczyk. Future Police Chief Tony Gesiorek appears for the first time in the town report.

• Chief Wanczyk reports on the flood of 1938, and that as a result of the flood, patrols were “curtailed” as the department exceeded its annual financial appropriation. He further suggests that as a result of the flood, that the town purchase several boats which could be used by the police department to transport families from their homes.

1939 - John Kowal reports as Chief of Police.

• There were 221 phone and radio calls, 51 arrests/summons, and 32 motor vehicle accidents.

1940, 1941, 1942 - Chief Kowal reports statistical data only.

• 1943 - Chief Tony Gesiorek reports 283 calls for police, 45 arrests, and nine motor vehicle crashes.
• 1944,1945, - Chief Gesiorek reports similar statistics for the year previous.
• 1946 - Chief Joseph Wanczyk reports 346 calls for police, 121 arrests, 87 investigations, and 22 summons.
• 1947, 1948 - Chief Wanczyk reports similar statistics for the years prior.
• 1949 - Chief Wanczyk reports statistical data although notes that a number of constables have refused to work, and asks that only those who are willing to do so, to run for Constable.
• 1950 - Chief Tony Gesiorek reports 384 calls for police, 115 arrests, 98 investigations, 24 of which were motor vehicle crashes.
• 1951 - Chief Gesiorek reports 533 calls for police, 163 arrests, 69 investigations, of which 43 were motor vehicle crashes.
• 1952 - Chief Gesiorek reports 241 calls for police, 139 arrests, 153 investigations, 63 of which were motor vehicle crashes.
• 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957 and 1958 were unremarkable relative to statistics as reported by Chief Gesiorek. In 1957’s report, future Chief Frank Koloski appears on the department roster.
• 1959 - Chief Gesiroek reports 201 arrests and 164 investigations, 74 of which were motor vehicle crashes.
• 1960 - Chief Gesiorek reports similar statistics from the year prior.
• 1961 - Chief Frank Koloski reports his first town report. 268 arrests by State Police, 86 investigations by the Hadley Police including 11 motor vehicle crashes, as well as 16 arrests.

For the first time in a number of years, the issues facing the police department are somewhat detailed;

• Chief Koloski mentions that Officers and Constables are called upon during all hours of day and night and that officers are often requested for funerals, church services, Memorial Day and Firemen’s Musters.
• He goes on to detail that the department spent 638 hours protecting the school children at crossroads alone and another 430 hours of patrol time.
• Furthermore, Chief Koloski recommended a wage increase for officers to $1.75 per hour.
• Finally, Chief reports on the untimely death of longtime Constable John S. Waskiewicz, after having been elected Constable for 23 years.

1962 - Chief Koloski reports 68 arrests by State Police, 91 by Hadley Officers, 99 investigations, 14 of which were motor vehicle accidents.

• Chief reports that there were a total of 53 motor vehicle crashes investigated by Hadley and State Police, resulting in 56 injuries and two fatalities.
• Chief Koloski states that traffic conditions are becoming “more acute” every year with growth in town and at the University, as well as more people traveling for work. Chief reports that the town should seriously consider a permanent police force.
• Chief also requests $3500 for Ranch Wagon Cruiser with two-way radios. The cruiser would have first aid facilities and a stretcher, and would be in use or manned on stand-by 24 hours a day.

1963 - Chief Koloski reports statistics that are unremarkable to the prior year.

• He reports that Interstate 91 is nearing completion, that the UMass Stadium will soon be under construction, and that enrollment will be estimated at 20,000.
• He again voices his concern for the need of a permanent police force as well as the need for a Ranch Wagon.

1964 - Chief Koloski reports a significant jump in motor vehicle crashes to 109, with 93 injuries and 2 fatalities.

• Chief reports that due to numerous disturbances, the covered bridge area was closed.
• A number of requests for improvements were made relative to traffic safety; study of Rt. 9 in regards to traffic regulations and speed limits, posting of speed limits on Rt 47, as well as the posting of numerous traffic warning signs.
• Chief Koloski reports that the department is extremely grateful for the purchase of the town cruiser. It was equipped with donations from other police departments and Hadley residents. The cruiser was used 19 times to transport people to the hospital.

1965 - Chief Koloski’s annual report has become very in depth with statistics, showing all offenses investigated.

• Again, a significant jump in crashes to 129, 102 injured and 2 killed.
• Chief again voices his concerns over the need of a permanent police force stating that in the previous year alone a shopping center and two banks have been built, along with the beginnings of a motel and a restaurant.

1966 - Chief Koloski reports 155 crashes, 97 injured and 1 killed.

• Traffic is clearly the main issue that the police department deals with. Speed limit signs have been erected on Rt. 9, Rt. 47, and Rocky Hill Road. Chief reports that a number a violators are by those who seem to think the speed limit signs are not intended for Hadley Residents.
• Howard Johnson Hotel opens.
• Chief reports that with steady growth and that plans should be made to establish a full-time police force. State Police have requested Hadley Police to assist them numerous times.
• Future Police Chief Adolph Pipczynski was elected as Constable, as well a Future Lieutenant Joel Searle.

1967- Chief Koloski reports that several officers attended “Police School” in South Hadley, which consisted of Criminal Law, Motor Vehicle Law and accident investigation.

• Chief reports another increase in crashes to 166, with 113 injured and 2 killed.
• An increase in break-in’s was reported. As a result, patrols were increased many finding doors and windows left unlocked.

1968- Chief Koloski reports a significant increase in crashes to 191, with 134 injured and 3 killed.

• He further reports requests for assistance from Police Departments as far away as Alaska, California and Florida (likely investigative and for records).

1969 - Chief Koloski reports aside from another significant increase in accidents,

an increase in crime and that drug addiction and related crimes are now common in small communities.

• Regarding the needs for a full time police department, Chief Koloski states; “A full-time department is necessary, but no longer can we plan for the future – it is needed now”.

1970 - Chief Koloski reports only a slight increase in crashes, although 57% are on Rt. 9, and an overall increase in call volume of 15%.

• Chief reports that due to having only a part-time department, the phones are unmanned most of the day.
• Statistics- Complaints received; 652 for various reasons, Arrests and Summons (including motor vehicle offenses); 322.

1971- Chief Koloski reports that one of his 14 officers has the official title of Assistant Public Safety Officer.

• Michael Majewski Jr., was the first full-time Hadley Officer; this position was funded by the federal government. He was appointed November 1, 1971.
• Chief reports a ten-year look back at statistics showing some categories with 400% increases.

1972 - Chief Koloski reports the department having 14 officers, himself, Sgt. Joel Searle and 12 officers.

• Chief reports 255 accidents, 132 injured and 3 killed.
• Chief Koloski suggests updating of Town By-Laws relative to traffic, snow parking, and the renting of housing to students.
• David Sadowski was appointed full-time after Michael Majewski Jr. was called to military service.

1973- Chief Koloski reports one of the busiest years for the police department.

• A small decrease was noted in traffic accidents, noting that numerous roadway improvements had been made, as well as a gasoline shortage.
• Chief notes that three articles will be placed before the citizens at town meeting; to purchase a second cruiser, as officers are often responding to calls in their own personal vehicle, a RADAR set to deal with speeding complaints, and two additional portable radios.
• Chief states that the communication center will be operational soon and will be staffed five-days a week 8am to 5pm.
• Jerome Yezerski was appointed full-time April 30, 1973.
• Joanna Devine, the department’s first female officer is appointed.
• Mountain Farms Mall opened, originally as an indoor mall.

1974- Chief Koloski reports again another increase in crashes, although a decrease in personal injuries.

He believed the fuel crisis changed people’s driving habits.

• Chief states that the town seemed to be hesitant to increase funding to public safety even with expansions in the tax base. The town has one full-time officer, and 15 part time officers. The communications center operates 24 hours per day, but only Wednesday – Friday, and 8am to 4pm Saturday – Tuesday.
• The Department’s first future Full-Time Police Chief Dennis Hukowicz was appointed November 5, 1974.
• There was a fatal house fire in September on Mt. Warner Road.

1975 - Chief Koloski retires and Chief Adolph Pipczynski reports for the first time as Chief.

• Chief Pipczynski reports the department consists of 17 Officers, three of which are full-time; Ronald Waskiewicz, Dennis Hukowicz and Michael Majewski.
• Motor vehicle accidents exceed 300, with 112 injuries and 2 fatalities.
• A murder-suicide was investigated on Rocky Hill Road.

1976 - Chief Pipczynski reports the department consists of 17 Police Officers,

all of which are part time except for James Basile and Michael Majewski.

• A slight decrease in crashes was noted.
• Chief reports that the town uses a mobile radio as a base station in the Communications Center, and that a Citizens Band Radio was sent by the Department of Public Safety to be monitored.
• Future Dispatching Legend Henry Baj joins the agency and continues to dispatch in to 2024.

1977 - Chief Pipczynski notes the retirement of John Kowal, after 40 years of service, and John Lipski, Sr.

• The department obtained its first Breathalyzer Machine through Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau (currently on display at the Public Safety Complex).
• A cruiser needed an engine replacement; one was donated by Hadley Motor Sales.
• 60 individuals were held in Protective Custody, as drunkenness was decriminalized.
• There were nearly 400 accidents, 115 injured, and 3 killed.
• Sgt. Searle reported on a motor vehicle fatality on Hockanum Road, car vs. utility pole.
• A fatal tobogganing accident occurred on Mitch’s Ski Trail on January 9^th.

1978 - Chief Pipczynski reports that Joel Searle was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

• Several officers completed a 40-hour course “in all phases of police work”. Officer Majewski promoted to Sergeant, and also became certified as a Firearms Instructor.
• There were 451 accidents in total with two fatalities.
• The Hampshire Mall opens for business.

1979 - Chief Pipczynski reports that patrols are now on 24 hours per day.

• There were 436 crashes, two of which were fatal. Chief reports a number of community policing activities such as meeting with the children of the schools, as well as working with the business to combat shoplifting.
• A pedestrian fatality was investigated on December 3rd near 124 Russell Street, during a driving rain storm.

1980 - Chief Pipczynski reports the promotion of Dennis Hukowicz to Sergeant, bringing the full-time ranks to two officers.

• Two new police cruisers were purchased. There were 463 accidents and no fatalities.

1981 - Chief Pipczynski reports an additional cruiser purchased. There were 448 accidents and no fatalities.

• Interskate 91 in the Hampshire Mall opens.
• Zayres in Campus Plaza closed.

1982 - Chief Pipczynski reports statistical data only. 446 crashes, no fatalities.

1983 - Chief Pipczynski reports an additional cruiser and Radar unit were purchased. 411 crashes, no fatalities.

• Stop and Shop opened in the former Zayres location.

1984 - Chief Pipczynski reports a new cruiser was purchased. There were 497 accidents, two fatalities.

• Sgt. Majewski promoted to Lieutenant.

1985 - Statistical data only. Chief Pipczynski reports 502 accidents, no fatalities. 119 arrests, 5 protective Custodies.

1986 - Acting Chief Richard Grader reports addressing department policies and procedures,

and obtaining input from citizens to determine areas of major concern.

• Chief Grader reports the establishment of a Police Explorer post. Concerns over the department budget are mentioned, stating that patrols as requested cannot be fulfilled and there is wear on the department’s equipment and the need for a breathalyzer. No statistical data was reported.

1987 - Acting Chief Grader reports call volume of approximately 6500, with crashes over 600,

as well as increase in motor vehicle theft, alarms, disturbances and vandalism.

• Sgt. Hukowicz promoted to Lieutenant.
• Sgt. Hukowicz investigated a pedestrian fatality on February 7^th in front of Katina’s.
• Lt. Hukowicz investigated a motor vehicle fatality on June 12^th on Roosevelt Street where after Mark Harmatz was convicted of the vehicular homicide death of his passenger, John Fisher, age 15.

1988 - Lt. Dennis Hukowicz reports as the acting Chief of Police after Chief Grader stepped down from the position.

• He reports a decrease in call volume and a decrease in crashes due to extra patrols.
• He also reported an additional police officer graduated the Worcester Police Academy, bringing staffing to two full time officers on patrol.
• Lt. Hukowicz reports on the cramped quarters of the Police Station at 42 West Street and expressed the need to plan for a larger facility.

1989 - Lt. Hukowicz reports efforts an on-going study of a regional lock-up facility,

although believes that the town will be mandated to have a lock-up facility before a regional facility becomes available.

• Lt. Hukowicz reported on one of the few murders that occurred in the Town of Hadley. While not named in the report, Sharon Galligan was murdered in the parking lot of the Hampshire Mall on December 18, 1989 by Kenneth Mitchell of Granby. He committed suicide in 1993 after investigators learned of information linking him to Sharon’s murder. He left a suicide note admitting to the murder.

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/01/18/Man-confesses-in-suicide-note-to-random-killing-of-student/6197727333200/

1990 - Lt. Hukowicz reports adding an additional full-time officer, bringing the ranks to five,

and mentions that the town must begin to plan for the need to have a new police department and lock-up facility.

1991 - Lt. Hukowicz reports the retirement of Barney Waskiewicz and the passing of retired officer John Pliska,

as well as the addition of another full-time officer raising the ranks to six.

• Also reported was the town joining into the Enhanced 911 system.

1992 - Lt. Hukowicz reports 4791 calls for services. Of six full-time officers, two are on light duty. 

• The Mullins Center at UMass and the Norwottuck Rail Trail are under construction and Lt. Hukowicz mentions his concerns of the draw of people to town.

1993 - Several officers left, and joined the department, and Chief Hukowicz reported on the passing of retired officer, Edward Waskiewicz.

• A cruiser was purchased and Chief Hukowicz highlighted a more modern design to the car.
   

1994 - Chief Hukowicz reports launching the DARE program

• We begin participating in the military surplus equipment program and the town’s decision to build a new public safety complex.

1995 - Chief Hukowicz reports grant funding to conduct alcohol stings, as well as Tobacco sales stings,

and that the town obtained a small pick up and a car from military surplus.

• Public Safety Building Committee reports the building is up and weather tight, with an expected completion date early in June of 1996.

1996 - Chief Hukowicz reports that along with the move to the new public safety complex, the town is also live with enhanced 911.

1997 - Several officers joined the agency and training continued in the use of E911. Several grants were applied for and awarded.
 

1998 -  Chief Hukowicz reports 1900 911 calls, as well as the addition of computerized records keeping.

• Prior to this, officers and dispatchers used a card system and a punch clock to document calls for service. Marion Zuckhowski retired from the department.
   

1999 - Chief Hukowicz reports that all officers have been trained in the use of defibrillators,

and that all cruisers are equipped with laptop computers.

• Additional officers have been added to the roster.

2000 - Chief Hukowicz reports that this year was the first year of having a minimum of two officers per shift,

and that several grants were received for various efforts.

• Montgomery Rose sells their property, paving the way for the construction of Hadley Home Depot.
• Holiday Inn Express Opens.

2001 - 6,460 calls for service, and re-construction started on the Coolidge Bridge.

• Richard Grader retired from service, although stayed on as a special police officer.

2002 - 6,868 calls for service, and following the terror attacks of 9/11/01, the town received various funding and equipment.

• The Police department now has a website and the Chief invites the public to email the department with concerns.
• Modern day lock-down drills were begun with the schools.
• Hadley K-Mart Closes.

2003 - Lt. Majewski retired, and future Chief, Michael Mason began with the department as a full-time police officer.

• 7,407 calls for service for the year.
• UMass Amherst designated the flagship campus of the University system.
• Econolodge opens.
• Hadley Target Opens in the former K-Mart Location.
• New Courthouse built at 116 Russell Street.

2004 - 9,573 calls for service. Continued post 9/11 anti-terrorism training continued.

• The entire department was deployed at times to combat crowd control issues.

2005- 9,830 calls for service. A 10^th (11 including the chief) full time police officer was added which added staffing to the 7pm-3am shift.

• Future Lieutenant, Mitchell Kuc joins the department.
• Chief Hukowicz reports the signing of a mutual aid agreement with UMass Amherst.
• The cruiser fleet consists of five patrol cruisers (all Crown Victoria’s) and two unmarked cruisers.

• 2006- 10,032 calls for service (first year exceeding 10,000 calls for service).
• Chief Hukowicz reports the addition of several officers and resignations, and the then Officer Mason attended Drug Recognition Expert training.
• Several child safety initiatives were participated in and the department was deployed twice to combat end of college year disturbances.
• MassDOT starts to widen Route 9 between the Coolidge Bridge and West Street

2007- 8,626 calls for service.

• Chief Hukowicz reports replacement 911 equipment and the computerization of the license to carry firearms system.
• Courtyard by Marriott opens.

2008- 8,958 calls for service. Several grant initiatives were applied for and received for traffic enforcement,

community policing, and state 911 training.

• Hadley Home Depot opens.
• The district court located relocated from Hadley to Belchertown.

2009 - 9,980 calls for service

• Officer Mason promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
• A sixth patrol car is added to the fleet.

2010 - 9,157 calls for service

• Future Lieutenant, Jesse Green joins the department, and a grant is received to replace the ballistic vests worn by officers.
• Hadley Lowe's opens at 282 Russell Street.

2011 - 8,106 calls for service

• Electronic speed limit signs were added in North Hadley on Route 47.
• Historic October snow storm struck paralyzing the region. Hadley was without power for up to three days in some places.

2012- 8,041 calls for service

• Grants for traffic safety and E911 training were applied for and received.
• Ford Crown Victoria’s are discontinued. A surplus DPW truck, a 1994 F-350 (originally acquired through military surplus) was acquired for animal control and for responses in bad weather.
• Motor Vehicle Fatality on Route 116. Results in the eventual prosecution of Brittani Benton of Sunderland for the motor vehicle homicide of Daniel Haley, a 24-year-old UMass Student. Benton was sentenced to state prison.
• New McDonald's built across the street from prior location

2013 - Chief Hukowicz diagnosed with cancer in the fall.

• Acting Chief reports the departments acquisition of the first SUV in the fleet, and the department’s first k-9 unit is added. 

2014 - Chief Hukowicz passes away in February.

• Sgt. Mason selected as Chief Hukowicz’s successor.
• 11,347 calls for service. (Busiest year since 2006)

2015 - Chief Mason appointed as Chief in January

• 10,981 calls for service. K-9 unit deployed 25 times.
• Officer Kuc promoted to Sergeant.
• Two surplus cruisers from UMass Police are acquired to help expand the fleet.
• Chief seeks to add a detective in the future.

2016 - 11,597 calls for service

• Chief Mason adds three full-time officers to the department, adding to the ranks for the first time in more than 10 years.
• Officer Green assigned as the first ever Detective for the Town of Hadley, Michael Romano designated as the Town’s first School Resource Officer.
• Officers Costa and Hartwright promoted to rank of Sergeant, bringing Sergeant’s ranks to three.
• Department begins the use of web/app based scheduling software.
• Route 9 construction between West Street and Town Hall begins.

The Hadley Public Safety Complex is dedicated and renamed in honor of Police Chief Dennis J. Hukowicz.

A plaque in the police department lobby also commemorates Chief Hukowicz.

2017 - 11,311 calls for service. 

• Jackie Lapinski resigns as Chief’s assistant, and Lauren Triggs takes over.
• Officers now carry Narcan to combat opiate overdoses
• The department now has two civilian advocates to provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

2018 - 13,532 calls for service

• Several Officers left and joined the department.
• Sgt. Kuc was promoted to Lieutenant, reviving the LT rank for the first time since 2003.
• Detective Green and Officer Romano were promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
• Cruiser fleet is expanding due to increased number of officers, expansion of services, and increased roadway construction.
• Previously retired patrol vehicles are now kept for construction details to keep usage off of regular patrol cars.
• On May 18^th, Brietta Brown pulled a knife out on a PVTA bus and slashed several passengers. She has been held in a psychiatric hospital since the incident.
• Home Wood Suites opens.
• Juvenile reform law changes the entire Massachusetts Juvenile Justice System.

2019 - 12,729 calls for service

• Several officers leave and join the department, including Sgt. Ken Hartwright who retires at the end of the year.
• The department begins pursuing accreditation.
• Body and Cruiser Camera funding is approved with an expected 2020 roll-out.
• Retail Theft and Connecticut River Task Forces are formed.

2020 - 14,151 calls for service

• The murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis
• The COVID pandemic impacts the entire world.
• Officers conducted birthday parades during COVID lock-down, food deliveries for seniors, as well as a drive-through trunk or treat for Halloween.
• The department was inundated with complaints about mask mandates, both for and against the wearing.
• The communications department now has their own Dispatch Supervisor, Meghan Cahill.
• Body and cruiser cameras are deployed.
• Department begins annual monitoring of Use of Force, Vehicular Pursuits and Police Action when compared to race/gender (Bias Free Policing).
• Each report is publicly available on the town website.

2021 - 17,150 calls for service

•  Continued impacts from COVID.
• Officers continued to assist with meal deliveries for senior citizens.
• Several officers leave and join the department.
• Officer’s Baronas and Douglas are promoted to acting Sergeant.
• A shooting occurred at the Hadley Wal-Mart following a drug-deal gone bad. Both the suspect in the shooting, and both shooting victims were prosecuted for various gun and drug charges.
• The shooting occurred on August 23, the same day that Hurricane Henri affected the northeast. Hadley suffered minimal impact from the Hurricane.
• Police Reform Law signed by Governor Baker, creating POST, Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.
• POST requires re-certification of officers every three years, and can suspend or de-certify officers who engage in criminal or bias activity, use excessive force, or act unprofessionally. Police reform prohibits choke-holds, limits No-Knock Warrants, and mandates de-escalation.

2022 - 14,029 calls for service

• Sgt. Romano diagnosed with leukemia, but prognosis is good.
• Sgt. Green promoted to Lieutenant.
• Officers Baronas, Phillips and Douglas are promoted to Sergeant.
• There are now four sergeants, one for each shift, and a fourth that covers when the eve or midnight shift sergeant are on their regular days off.
• Officer Seitz is now Detective Seitz.
• There are now six full time dispatchers that now cover other dispatchers’ regular days off (saving on overtime costs), and supplement busier shifts.
• First round of POST commission certifications for officers.
• Route 9 construction begins between Town Hall and the malls.
• 2022 closed out with the shooting of Bruce Jenks on Mill Valley Road. He was shot in the shoulder by Marc Veturis, the current boyfriend of Mr. Jenks’ ex-girlfriend.
• In the midst of a police recruiting crisis and mass exoduses from the profession as a whole, and POST essentially eliminating new reserve police officers, a second consecutive union contract is settled focusing heavily on competitive wages.
• Officer Daniel Clark re-joins Hadley PD after working in Ware for several years.

2023 - 16,882 calls for service

• Sgt. Mike Romano returns to work in a light-duty capacity.
• As a result of changes to the union contract and increases to officer’s wages, there was increased interest from officers from other local agencies, recruiting officers from Holyoke and Easthampton.
• The last Crown Victoria in the fleet is retired.
• Officer Delgado joins the department from Holyoke Police Department.
• Officer Gaudette joins the department from Easthampton Police Department

2024 - Nearing the 2^nd full year of the 2022-2025 Union Contract between the town and Police

• The Department is near full staffing with one officer pending the police academy and as of February, no other vacancies.
• The department has gained four fully academy trained officers since the contract has been settled.
• Officer Clark is promoted to Sergeant.
• With staffing near full, Det./Sgt. Douglas and Detective Seitz, who have been serving as hybrid detectives, who also work patrol, are assigned fully to investigative duties. They will be tasked with investigating major cases, as well as addressing the huge amount of retail theft the town experiences.
• Officer Cianciola joins the department after having worked at UMass Police.

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Hadley Police Department Patch

Until the 1930’s the town’s police force was made up of elected constables and no permanent police force. It wasn’t until the early 1930 that a “Police Chief” was listed in any town reports, and where an identifiable uniform patch can be found. The original patch was a generic upside-down triangle with “Hadley Police Department” displayed.

Acting Police Chief Richard Grader at some point between 1986-1987, enacted a Police Explorer Program for local children. The Police Explorers designed their own uniform patch which was eventually adopted by the career police officers.

This patch depicted General William Goffe (otherwise known as the “Angel of Hadley”), a regicide of King Charles I. The image was taken from a painting created by Frederic A. Chapman.

It has long been myth that General William Goffe, who had fled England and was hidden in a secret room in Pastor John Russell’s home in Hadley, appeared only once in 1675 to warn the town’s people of an imminent Indian attack and leading a successful defense of the town.

At the time that this light blue, U.S. Air Force modeled patch was created, technology did not allow for the same conversion of photographs to digital files that we see in more modern times. This left an image on the patch that was discernable only to those that knew it’s history; often leaving officers to explain the patch.

In 2019, the then, Officer Janelle Seitz proposed an updated patch which features the Hadley Town Seal in the center, which the department wears today.

Frederic Chapman’s The Angel of Hadley (above)

Source- https://forbeslibrary.org/research/images/the-angel-of-hadley/

Patches of the Hadley Police Department (below)

Top- Patch worn from approximately 1930 to 1986

Middle- Patch worn from approximately 1986 to 2019

Bottom- Patch worn from 2019 to current

Created by- Lieutenant Mitchell Kuc in August of 2024