Kingston Police Recognizes Officers and Civilians for Heroic Acts
KINGSTON - August 26 - The Kingston Police Department presented multiple commendation awards to officers and civilians for their exceptional service during a high-speed pursuit and water rescue, highlighting the department's commitment to community safety and partnership.
The Full Story
Chief Brian Holmes presented the police commendation award to four department members - Officer Potrykus, Lieutenant Skowyra, Dispatcher Odell, and Officer Hurley - for their actions during a July 30th incident involving a stolen jet ski and trailer. The incident began when a resident reported someone attempting to steal property from their yard. Officer Potrykus observed a suspicious truck with its lights off and initiated pursuit when the vehicle fled.
The high-speed chase extended down Route 3 into the rotary, continued along Route 25, and ultimately ended in New Bedford with the apprehension of one suspect. During the pursuit, debris from the fleeing vehicle struck the police cruiser's windshield, but no officers were injured. Chief Holmes emphasized that the pursuit followed department policy "by the numbers" despite the unpredictable and dangerous nature of such incidents.
The department also recognized two civilians, Harbormaster Tom Taylor and Assistant Harbormaster Glen Cavicchi, for their life-saving actions during a water rescue on July 21st. The incident occurred when a distressed kayaker became entangled in fishing line in the Jones River near Jones River Drive. Tom Conner, a resident, initially assisted the person in distress by helping them stay afloat until the harbormaster's boat arrived on scene with emergency lights activated.
Chief Holmes noted that the civilians' quick response and coordination with emergency responders "quite possibly saved a life that day," reflecting the collaborative spirit between the community and public safety officials.
In additional police business, the department introduced its newest member - five-month-old comfort dog Mabel, partnered with Officer Brian Hurley. Mabel, a yellow Labrador, completed her comfort dog training through Professional Canine Services in Middleborough. Officer Hurley, who is NASRO certified as a backup school resource officer, can deploy Mabel to any school or community event upon request.
The board also accepted a donation from Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz consisting of a life pack 1008ED, wall mounting case, and two NALOX boxes (Narcan) to be provided to the recreation department. Chief Holmes praised the district attorney as "a valuable partner" who provides federal resources to local constituents.
The department unveiled its new mission statement and core values developed through input from every department member. The mission statement reads: "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 four core values are integrity, community, professionalism, and service, each with detailed explanations that will be displayed prominently in the department lobby.
In other board business, members approved a one-day liquor license for the Kingston Public Library Foundation's third annual Librewery event scheduled for September 14th. The event will feature 10 breweries, local band the Shedheads, and various raffles to benefit the library. Foundation representatives noted strong business community support and a special brew created exclusively for the event bearing the Kingston Public Library Foundation seal.
The board tabled discussion of upgrading existing EV charging stations after resident Derek Billnitzer, a Finance Committee member and EV owner, raised concerns about the proposed Loop Network system. Billnitzer argued that the proposed chargers use outdated technology incompatible with the North American charging standard adopted by 80-90% of vehicles sold in the United States, including Tesla, Cadillac, Nissan, Honda, and Volkswagen models. EVSE Solutions representatives Ed McQuillan and Nick Flurry countered that adapters are available and offered alternative charging options, but the board decided to postpone the decision until the full five-member board could review the proposal.
The board approved a request from MacFarlane Farms residents to place an engraved stone marker on town property at the neighborhood entrance. Garden Club president Christine Maiorano explained the project aims to enhance the appearance of the island and subdivision after existing signs deteriorated. The board also approved updated Complete Streets prioritization plans focusing on Main Street, Green Street, and Summer Street improvements, keeping the town eligible for state grant funding.
A significant portion of the meeting addressed preparation for hiring a new Town Administrator, with extensive discussion of the position statement and job description. The board updated salary information, removed outdated references, and incorporated feedback from department heads who emphasized the importance of municipal law knowledge and New England experience. The board established a screening committee consisting of two selectmen (Chairman Eric Crone and Selectman Donald Alcombright), the HR director, police chief, and fire chief.
The board postponed discussion of a cannabis social equity policy until the full board could review the state-mandated requirements. The policy would give preference to social equity applicants - those disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition arrests or minority/women-owned businesses - in host community agreement decisions. Town Administrator Keith Hickey noted potential fines for non-compliance but several board members expressed concerns about the preferential treatment aspects.
Hickey provided updates on numerous infrastructure projects, including recent paving of Crescent and River Streets, scheduled paving of Grove Street on September 2nd, and crack sealing on Lake and Evergreen Streets. The town received Green Community Grant funding for significant energy efficiency improvements at both elementary schools, including foundation insulation, window improvements, and HVAC system upgrades.
Hickey also addressed ongoing issues with the new traffic calming measures at the intersection of Main Street and Landing Road, installed by the state after town input. While designed to slow traffic and reduce large truck incidents, the modifications have created challenges for boat trailers and larger vehicles accessing the Jones River boat ramp. Hickey acknowledged the concerns while explaining the safety rationale behind the improvements.
Why It Matters
The police commendations demonstrate Kingston's commitment to recognizing both professional law enforcement excellence and civilian heroism. The water rescue highlights the importance of community partnership in emergency response, while the successful pursuit shows proper police procedures can safely resolve dangerous situations. For residents, these recognitions reinforce confidence in local public safety services and the collaborative relationship between police and community members.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Accept donation from Plymouth County District Attorney of life pack, wall mounting case, and NALOX boxes. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 52:53)
Motion: Approve one-day liquor licenses for Librewery event on September 14th. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 57:33)
Motion: Table EV charging station upgrade proposal. Outcome: Tabled until September 9th meeting. Vote: No formal vote taken. (Timestamp: 1:15:13)
Motion: Approve MacFarlane Farms stone marker request on town property. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:18:38)
Motion: Approve updated Complete Streets prioritization plan. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:27:31)
Motion: Table cannabis social equity policy until full board review. Outcome: Tabled. Vote: No formal vote taken. (Timestamp: 1:42:02)
Motion: Approve Town Administrator position statement and job description as amended, contingent upon review by finance director, town administrator, HR manager and town counsel. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:08:16)
Motion: Create Town Administrator screening working group with two selectmen (Crone, Alcombright), HR director, police chief, and fire chief. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:13:55)
Public Comment
Will Gershwin reminded residents that school buses would resume normal routes with the start of the school year, advising drivers to allow extra time for frequent stops. Derek Billnitzer, a Finance Committee member and EV owner, raised technical concerns about the proposed EV charging station upgrades, questioning compatibility with modern vehicle charging standards and the reliability of the Loop Network system.
What's Next
The EV charging station proposal will return for consideration at the September 9th meeting with full board participation. The cannabis social equity policy discussion is also postponed to the same meeting. The Town Administrator screening committee will begin reviewing applications once the position is posted, with the goal of having a new administrator in place as soon as possible. The joint meeting with the School Committee and Finance Committee to discuss budget planning is scheduled for the near future. Winter road plowing discussions for private roads will continue with potential policy modifications based on ongoing negotiations with residents.
editor's note: automated article experiment