June 5, 2006
Special Session 5:54 pm
Mr. Edmundson, Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley
The Board voted, by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussion pending litigation and real estate matters, and to return to open session at approximately 7:00 pm.
Ms. Tully - yes
Mr. Riley - yes
Mr. Edmundson - yes
June 5, 2006
Special Session 7:15 pm
Mr. Edmundson, Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley
Interview of Candidates for Police Patrolman Positions
Mr. Edmundson announced that the Board was planning to interview five candidates for police patrolman positions this evening and four additional candidates at the meeting to be held on June 6.
Francis Byrne introduced himself as a veteran of Iraqi Freedom who is currently employed by the Post Office. He said he was interested in a police position because many of his family members are police officers and it is an honorable position. As a member of the National Guard who was mobilized and sent to Iraq and Kuwait Mr. Byrne said he is able to work under stress. He sees his strength as his ability to deal with just about anything due to his experiences in Iraq. Eventually Mr. Byrne would like to work with juveniles as a police officer. He has worked at 100 Beal Street and is experienced in this area.
Thomas Ford, a lifelong resident of the Town with a Bachelors Degree in criminal justice, is currently working on his Masters at Western New England College. He has worked at Fidelity as a security guard and is currently employed by the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office. He became interested in policing when, as a first-grader at Foster School, he visited the police station with Officer Mahoney. Mr. Ford has done ride- alongs with Detective Mansfield and Officer Pettiti and would be interested in working with young people as a school resource officer. Mr. Ford's goal is to explore all areas of policing and to find the best fit for himself and the department. He felt the most challenging aspect of the job would be dealing with people he had grown up with. Within the next five years he hopes to have completed his master's degree and to take advantage of promotional opportunities. Mr. Ford has also coached youth football and teaches self-defense to women within the community.
Brian Norton said he has lived in Town most of his life and has earned an Associates Degree in criminal justice. He has been employed building water gardens for the past four years. Mr. Norton said he his able to work well with others and is approachable. He views his strengths as his ability to analyze situations and solve problems well. He would like to work with children and to be chief someday.
Justin Burns, a thirteen year resident of the town, is currently a technician at Bill's Outboard, an intermittent police officer in Randolph and a part-time student at Quincy College. He would like to be a police officer because it is an exciting job and provides an opportunity to give back to the community. He said that in five years he would likely still be on patrol but would be interested in being a detective after that. Mr. Burns views his strengths as his honesty, reliability and the fact that he is hardworking. His weakness is that he did not push himself in high school and it narrowed down his educational opportunities. His greatest challenge as an officer would be responding to something involving children or an infant.
Joshua Wilcox, a longtime Hingham resident and graduate of Suffolk University, has been working in the trades but being a police officer has been his career dream. Entering his junior year at Suffolk he decided to focus on criminology and law. He wants to be on a team atmosphere because he enjoyed being on teams in high school and college. He sees his strength as being very driven and does not give up until forced to; his weakness is that he is too honest and says things people may not like. Mr. Wilcox noted that both Officer Marcella and Lt. Durant caused him to think seriously about a career as a police officer. He said his commitment and drive would make him a good candidate for the position.
In other business, Ms. Tully asked if Mr. Edmundson and Mr. Riley had had an opportunity to review the newsletter to be included with the upcoming tax bill mailing. Both Mr. Edmundson and Mr. Riley said they had reviewed it and felt it was fine.
Meeting adjourned 8:00 pm.
Betty Foley, Clerk