The Kingston Police Department introduced its newest four-legged member and honored several officers and civilians for their heroic actions during the August 26 Board of Selectmen meeting.
Officer Brian Hurley presented Mabel, a 5-month-old yellow Labrador who recently completed comfort dog training through Professional Canine Services in Middleborough. The puppy, born on April Fool’s Day, comes from Pacheco Kennels in Raynham and is related to comfort dogs serving in neighboring communities.
“She is a full yellow lab. Both of her mother and father were yellow labs, Aries and Apollo,” Hurley said. “She’s actually sisters with Pembroke’s comfort dog, Sasha. One of Plymouth’s comfort dogs and as well as Plympton’s comfort dog, Aggie.”
Mabel accompanies Hurley at all times, both at home and on patrol. The department encourages community members to request the comfort dog for events and welcomes residents to interact with Mabel when they encounter the pair around town.
“If you have any events that you think that you may need a comfort dog for it, please feel free to request,” Hurley said. “And if you see me driving around, then feel free to say hello. And you can take pictures with the dog, pet the dog. She loves people and she’s been doing really well.”
As a NASRO-certified officer with the National Association of School Resource Officers, Hurley serves as backup to the district’s school resource officers, allowing him flexibility to visit any school when requested or during routine patrol stops.
Chief Brian Holmes presented multiple Police Commendation Awards recognizing exceptional service during two separate emergency incidents.
On July 30, Officer Potrykus, Lieutenant Skowyra, Dispatcher Odell, and Officer Hurley received recognition for their actions during a high-speed pursuit involving stolen property. The incident began when a resident reported someone attempting to steal a jet ski and trailer from their yard.
“Officer Potrykus observed a truck with the lights off that he turned around and followed the vehicle. A pursuit ensued, which went all the way down Route 3 into the rotary, and then it continued down Route 25, and it ended up terminating in New Bedford,” Chief Holmes said.
The pursuit resulted in one suspect’s apprehension, though a piece of debris from the fleeing vehicle struck the police cruiser’s windshield during the chase.
“Your actions reflect great credit upon yourself, the department, and maintain the highest traditions of law enforcement,” Holmes read from the commendation. “Congratulations on a job well done.”
The department also recognized two civilians for their life-saving actions during a water rescue on July 21. Harbormaster Tom Taylor and Assistant Harbormaster Glen Cavicchi received commendations for rescuing a distressed kayaker in the Jones River, though neither was available to attend the meeting.
The incident occurred when a kayaker became tangled in fishing line and overturned near Jones River Drive. Resident Tom Conner assisted the person in the water until the harbormaster’s boat arrived on scene.
“Mr. Conner was able to reach the person and help him stay afloat above the water until the rescue arrived on scene,” the Chief explained. “Your actions reflect great credit upon yourself, the department to maintain the high traditions of the law enforcement, and quite possibly save a life that day.”
Holmes also presented the department’s new mission statement and core values, developed through input from all department members. The mission statement emphasizes the department’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, service, and community partnership.
“The Kingston Police Department, guided by integrity, professionalism, service, and a deep commitment to the community, partners with the public to serve, support, and protect all inhabitants of the town of Kingston,” the mission statement reads.
The department’s four core values include integrity, defined as being “open and transparent in all things that we do”; community, recognizing that “we are the public and we cannot do this job without you”; professionalism, acknowledging that “policing is a profession” requiring education and training; and service, emphasizing their role as “law enforcement officers, dispatchers, administrators, leaders, and public servants.”
The board also accepted a donation from Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz, including a life pack 1008ED, wall mounting case, and two NALOX boxes containing Narcan. These items will be provided to the recreation department.
In other business, the board began preparations for hiring a new Town Administrator following Keith Hickey’s upcoming departure. The board approved a position statement and job description for the role, with an annual salary of $180,000 plus or minus depending on qualifications.
The board established a screening committee consisting of two selectmen, the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and HR Manager to review applications. Chairman Eric Crone and board member Donald Alcombright will represent the selectmen on the committee.
The Town Administrator position requires a bachelor’s degree with a master’s preferred, along with experience in municipal government, financial management, and personnel administration. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong leadership qualities and knowledge of municipal law.