ERVING — The police chief position has been offered to Robert Holst, a sergeant in the Erving Police Department who has been the acting chief since August. He is scheduled to start April 1, pending negotiations.
Holst was one of two finalists for the position who were interviewed by the Selectboard last week. The other was David Rice, a sergeant with the Greenfield Police Department.
On Monday, the Selectboard held formal deliberations on the interviews. Both board members read prepared statements, but they were in agreement on their preferred candidate, and did not discuss extensively.
“Both the candidates bring strengths and areas for improvement, which makes this a challenging decision to make,” said Selectboard Chair Jacob Smith.
Smith and fellow Selectboard member William Bembury noted Holst’s strong performance as acting chief over the last six months, as well as his nuanced discussion in the interview on issues regarding community relations, the use of body cameras and the Police Department’s mission statement. Bembury approvingly noted Holst’s past experiences in the Army.
“He has led with integrity, strength and compassion,” Bembury said. “He has earned the respect of his peers, and the Board of Selectmen. Sgt. Holst has grown, and there is room for growth.”
Regarding Rice’s interview, Smith said that some of the views Rice expressed seemed not to match the values of the Erving Police — particularly his discussions on the use of body cameras, diversity within the department and how to handle complaints from the public. He added that Rice’s discussions of some of the interview topics seemed less than fully developed.
“This at times left me unsure if Sgt. Rice knew the direction he would lead the Police Department in,” Smith said.
However, he noted that Rice’s educational background and his experience in training officers were strong points.
The Selectboard’s two members unanimously agreed to extend an offer to Holst. His employment as chief formally begins April 1, with a six-month probationary period.
Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.