ADAMS, Mass. — The Selectmen on Wednesday approved two new sergeants in the Police Department — Gregory Onorato and Dylan Hicks. 

 

They were introduced by interim Police Chief Troy Bacon, who gave both men high marks for the performance as officers.

 

"We had very, very qualified applicants who were put in, and I'm very proud of the two that rose to the top," he said. "I'm able to come today and say with confidence that they're going to do an excellent job with the department."

 

Onorato joined the Adams force in 2014 after eight years with the North Adams Police Department. 

 

"He has demonstrated his commitment to our community by participating and organizing several community-based outreach activities and events," Town Administrator Jay Green wrote in his recommendation to the board. Onorato displays "good humor, approachability, and will be a valuable supervisory and managerial resource to his fellow officers in our community."

 

Bacon said Onorato is a very dedicated officer who was integrated into the workings of the department and very concerned with social functions and community engagement. 

 

He's very well-respected amongst us," the chief said.

 

Hicks has been with the department since 2017 and is a first lieutenant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He earned his undergraduate degree from Fitchburg State University and is pursuing his graduate degree.

 

"[He] contributes to the professionalism of the department by serving in the capacity of field training officer and firearms instructor," Green wrote. "Officer Hicks possesses strong leadership and command experience which are skills that will serve him well in his duties as a supervisor and leading his fellow officers."   

 

Bacon said he was also very committed to the community.

 

"Dylan is one of the officers that will step up whenever something is needed," he said, using the recent Halloween event as an example. "I'm very confident in the abilities of Dylan."

 

Both officers were selected for promotion through an assessment process run by an outside professional testing organization that includes a test, examination and interviews. This process replaced Civil Service a couple years and was done in accordance with the agreement made with Massachusetts Coalition of Police Local 367.

 

Onorato will be paid $30.66 per hour at step 7 on the compensation list; Hicks will be paid $29.49 per hour at step 5.

 

Both officers' families attended the event and Town Clerk Haley Meczywor swore them outside the Selectmen's meeting room where there was more space to social distance.

 

"I just wish you the best of luck and just continue the good work and dedication, that's what we really need in this community," said Selectman Joseph Nowak. "A lot of dedication because as you know, as being a police officer, we're in changing times."

 

Chairwoman Christine Hoyt was glad to see that the families were able to attend the promotion. 

 

"I'm happy that your family could be here this evening for this moment," she said. "I'm very, very happy for having you before us."

 

In other business: 

 

• The board approved an all-alcohol license transfer from Red Carpet Restaurant Inc. to Kee Food Group, doing business as the Savory Store. Owners Edward and Emily Groner said they planned an eatery, starting first with breakfast and lunch, that would highlight local products and produce including their own. 

 

• The board approved a permit for a 2 by 3-foot hanging sign for salon owner Michelle Carlow at 66 Park St. 

 

• The board approved two new addresses for "Terry's House," the Louison House, to signify the two apartments in the renovated structure as 395 Old Columbia St. Unit A and Unit B. 

 

• The board held a shade tree public hearing related to construction along Route 8 and heard an update on town projects.