New Adams Police Chief Tarsa Vows Service
 Richard Tarsa is sworn in as police chief by Town Clerk Haley Meczywor on Friday. |
ADAMS, Mass. — Police Chief Richard Tarsa was sworn into his new position on Friday, following 29 years of service on the force.
Tarsa filled the void left by the retirement of former Chief Donald Poirot, serving as his interim since April. After raising his right hand and pledging an oath to serve the town honorably, Tarsa felt he was in a state of matrimony.
"I feel like I just got married," Tarsa said, prompting some members of the public to say, "You did."
Tarsa was named interim chief on April 15, based on the suggestion of Town Administrator Jonathan Butler, and officially began duty on April 26. A former sergeant, he joined the force in 1984.
The Board of Selectmen voted 3-2 in favor of appointing Tarsa to police chief on Aug. 21, after interviewing three candidates for the position, including Scott Heagney, resident agent-in-charge for the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm's Rochester, N.Y. and Sgt. Michael Bennett of Templeton.
Butler and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen John Duval gave brief congratulatory speeches. Town Clerk Haley Meczywor swore in Tarsa, who said he is very pleased, honored and humbled to follow in the footsteps of Poirot, who served on the force for 33 years.
"I worked with the boss for many, many years. I admire the man. I look up to the man. He leaves some big shoes to fill and I will try my best to fill those shoes," Tarsa said.
Tags: oath of office, police chief, swearing in,
