Erving police chief finalists to interview with Selectboard

ERVING — Two finalists for the police chief position are scheduled to interview with the Selectboard next week. If one is selected, the position will likely be filled by the end of March.

The two candidates are Greenfield Police Sgt. David Rice and Erving Police Sgt. Robert Holst, who has been the acting police chief since the departure of former Chief Christopher Blair in August.

The interviews with the Selectboard, to be held online, will be on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The Selectboard had considered holding the interviews in person, considering the importance of the position, but ultimately decided that meeting virtually would make the interviews more easily accessible to the public.

“I’m sure everyone understands that is not our preference, but that is the best choice right now,” said Selectboard Chair Jacob Smith.

Administrative Coordinator Bryan Smith noted that accessibility to the public is a priority for the interviews.

“This position is obviously a major position for the town,” he said. “It’s going to draw quite a bit of interest from residents and interested stakeholders.”

Former Chief Blair left in August, for reasons that the Selectboard declined to comment on. However, the board noted that it was not a disciplinary issue.

Technically, Blair has been on an indefinite leave of absence until a replacement for the position can be identified. The reasons for putting him on leave rather than ending his employment outright were likewise not explained by the Selectboard.

Candidates for the police chief position were reviewed by a screening committee, chaired by former Selectboard member Scott Bastarache. Four of the candidates were interviewed by the screening committee in closed-door meetings earlier in February, and the two finalists were selected from those interviews, Bastarache said. Though screening interviews may be held privately by a separate committee, the Selectboard’s interviews and deliberations regarding the hiring decision are open to the public.

Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.