Adams Selectmen Welcome New Officer, OK Policies & Contracts
 Police Chief Richard Tarsa introduced the newest member of the force, Greg Onorato to the Selectmen on Wednesday. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Selectmen officially welcomed new Police Officer Gregory Onorato on Wednesday.
Police Chief Richard Tarsa introduced former North Adams police officer who was officially ratified last month. He has relocated to Adams with his wife.
Tarsa said Onorato will be an asset to the police force, and to the community.
"He was very active in the community in North Adams, and he is going to bring that enthusiasm to the town and fill a much needed void in the force we have had for some time," Tarsa said.
Onorato has been working as a full-time officer for almost five years and will save the town $20,000 because he has already been though the academy.
Chairman Arthur "Skip" Harrington acknowledged that Onorato will be filling in a much-needed void on the force, which has not been at full capacity in the past year.
"Thank you for joining the force," Harrington said. "We are glad to have another man on the force because we have had trouble filling it. Congratulations and we look forward to working with you."
Onorato said he is excited to work in Adams.
"I want to say thank you very much, and I look forward to working in Adams it is a very nice town," Onorato said.
Onorato is scheduled to start working Jan. 12.
The board also approved the revised zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy and a memo of agreement for the clerical and police unions. The contracts expire in 2017.
Harrington said the Department of Transportation mandated the revised drug and alcohol policy in order for the town to receive its new Council on Aging vans.
"That was the real critical thing, especially the zero-tolerance policy of it," he said. "Without it we don’t get our brand-new vans that are sitting in Pittsfield."
Selectman Joseph Nowak asked if the policy allowed for random drug testing.
Town Counsel Edmund St. John III said the policy says probable cause is needed for a test so there should be no random testing.
Harrington asked Tarsa if a police officer could be tested if transporting an open container as evidence.
Tarsa said the police officer would have to appear as though he or she is under the influence of something in order to receive a test.
"It goes further than just having something that is evidence in the vehicle emanating the odor," Tarsa said. "It has to be something to do with that person. If there slowed speech, glossy or blood-shot eyes, or if there is staggering, then there is probable cause."
Harrington said it was an early concern that the policy was too vague in that aspect, however the revised policy addressed the possible issue.
Tags: Adams Police,
