ERVING — Despite being just half a year into her tenure with the Erving Police Department, Officer Laura Gordon was commended for going “above and beyond in every way” during Monday’s Selectboard meeting.
Gordon, who officially resigned from the Greenfield Police Department last week after taking a leave of absence from her 24-year position in June 2022 in the wake of budget cuts, was invited to Erving Police Chief Robert Holst’s side as he took the podium Monday evening. Speech in hand, Holst took a moment to speak off the cuff and from the heart to express his sincere gratitude toward Gordon for exceeding his expectations in the time since she joined the department as a full-time patrol officer in July.
“Before I present the letter, I just want to say you truly have been an amazing addition to our team,” Holst told Gordon, exchanging smiles with her. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Reading aloud before the Selectboard, Holst celebrated Gordon “for the work she has done, is doing and will continue to do for our community.”
“From the moment she began with our department, she has made a huge impact in our community,” Holst read. “I am constantly being told by community members, surrounding departments and her fellow Erving officers of the great work that Officer Gordon has and continues to do.”
Holst then proceeded to list 15 ways Gordon has been of service, highlighting her re-establishment of the K-9 program, establishment of the “Coffee with Cops” program and frequent efforts to connect with the public through various forums.
“It wasn’t long ago that I was at the Community Center and somebody didn’t realize I was there, and somebody told Laura that she would make a great chief,” Holst said off-script, eliciting laughter from the room.
Holst also acknowledged the importance of police officers setting a good example in the current political climate.
“Policing in 2022 is much different from when Officer Gordon began in the early 1990s, and it is obvious she has been a leader in adopting and adapting with the progressive changes over those three decades,” Holst read.
The Selectboard gave Gordon a standing ovation following Holst’s speech.
“We are beyond happy to have you and we love to have you excited to be with us for as many years as you’d like from here,” Selectboard Chair Jacob Smith told Gordon.
The officer responded to the praise with gratitude while crediting the Erving Police Department for giving her another chapter to look forward to.
“It’s an honor to be here and to be welcomed into this community and to be able to continue doing what I love to do,” she said. “There was a time last year when I thought that was coming to an end, so by you guys embracing me coming into the community … and allowing me to continue with these programs, it means a lot.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.