ERVING — The last remaining patrol officer at the Erving Police Department has resigned, according to the police labor union that represents officers within the department.
The Erving Police Benevolent Association Local 121 announced on social media that Officer Derek Worden has submitted his letter of resignation to the town. The announcement notes that Worden, who was hired in September 2025 to fill the position formerly held by retiring Officer Laura Gordon, will be working at a neighboring agency. Worden previously worked for the Colrain Police Department before coming to Erving.
This resignation marks the loss of the department’s final patrol officer after Brandon Bryant, Brandon Garvey and Mitchell Waldron resigned, all within the last three months.
“His departure represents another significant loss of patrol staffing for a small department where each position plays a critical role,” the union’s announcement reads.
Police Chief Robert Holst declined to comment on the matter on Wednesday. Efforts to reach Town Administrator Bryan Smith this week were unsuccessful.
At full staff, the department has a roster of six full-time officers. Sgt. Adam Paicos and Holst are the two remaining employees. To help support the department, Holst previously said that Massachusetts State Police would be available to respond to calls for service when there are unfilled shifts.
The recent slew of resignations began with Bryant, whose letter of resignation was dated Jan. 16 with an effective date of Feb. 1. He had served in Erving since 2021, and has experience on the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Anti-Crime Task Force, which helps member departments in Franklin and Hampshire counties identify, investigate and prosecute drug and firearm offenses, gang-related crimes, human trafficking, major crimes and other organized illegal activity. He has since been hired by the neighboring Montague Police Department.
Then, on Feb. 19, Garvey submitted his resignation notice to Holst via email, with an effective date of March 3. He has since been hired by the Northfield Police Department. Waldron, likewise, resigned and now works for the Northfield department.
The three letters of resignation all shared appreciation to the department for their time spent there, but did not specify a specific reason for their departure.
In his letter, Bryant thanked Holst for his guidance and support during his time with the department, and said he appreciated “the opportunities for professional growth and the experience” he gained in Erving.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Garvey wrote in his letter of resignation. “Serving the town of Erving has been a meaningful and rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside dedicated professionals committed to serving our community. The experience and professional growth I have gained during my time here will continue to guide me throughout my career.”
Waldron, who was hired in Erving in March 2022 and served as the department’s field training officer, sent a similarly worded resignation letter.
“This decision was not made lightly, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the town of Erving and to have worked alongside the dedicated members of the department,” Waldron wrote. “I appreciate the experience, training and professional relationships I have gained during my time here. I am committed to assisting with a smooth transition and will fulfill my duties responsibly through my final day of employment.”
The town is actively hiring for the vacant positions, and there are two police patrol screening committees scheduled to meet in executive session on Wednesday, March 25, and Thursday, March 26. According to the Erving website’s employment page, the department is hiring on a rolling basis, with a pay range of $28.16 to $35.66 per hour.
The social media post by the union about Worden’s resignation raised questions from community members about the reasons behind the loss of four patrol officers within the last three months, as well as the impact on the town.
Gordon, commenting on the post about Worden, voiced her belief that these resignations are not due to pay disputes. While she did not elaborate on what led the officers to resign, she wrote that “strong law enforcement agencies” are dependent on “clear policies, professional standards and accountability.”
“Clear expectations, fairness and consistent leadership strengthen morale, support officers in performing their duties effectively and reinforce public confidence,” Gordon wrote. “A continued commitment to these principles will be essential for the department to move forward and to attract and retain the dedicated officers needed to serve the community effectively.”