I’ve never written a letter to express an opinion on public affairs. But I feel compelled to on the insanity of the police budget cuts.
Back in the 60s, I began my police career in Greenfield under Chief John Murphy. I transferred to my home city of Holyoke after a few years. Times were different.
We had 34 men on the job. The most we could ever field was maybe six men. We had good back up from the Massachusetts State Police.
If the Greenfield Police Department cuts eight officers, I’ll promise you that within 24 hours you’ll be telling the public that they will have to wait at least 30 minutes for police response to anything.
Steve Donoghue
Retired Holyoke police chief