Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I know there are many people in the City who are against the cancel culture that seem to have not only overtaken Somerville but our Nation. This trend too cut Police Budgets has certain effects that will impact the lives Of All in

Somerville. Men and Women are approaching Retirement age, many are leaving, several are still there. As Officers leave they need to be replaced and soon. Young Officers need the older more experienced Officers to teach them things they don’t learn in a classroom. Not replacing Officers leaves a void. I have heard various numbers of Sworn Officers. I won’t speculate on that issue because I believe it could cause a safety issue. Patrol Vehicles for the most part are running 24/7 with very little down, they need to be manned to patrol the City effectively. I spent my entire Professional Life in Law Enforcement. I know for certain the Patrol Officers Are the backbone of every Department, my heart will always be with the Somerville Police and the people who I protected and served for 31 of my 35 years. Somerville enjoys a considerable low Crime rate at the moment, but that will not continue without replacing retiring Officers. Chief Femino has been around the block a few times. He knows how to run the Department and is an excellent Leader, He was my Boss in Patrol and Detectives. He is capable of keeping Somerville in the forefront of Massachusetts Law Enforcement. He needs the tools to keep the Cruisers running, that means new Officers. Somerville has many talented Officers. But they need help. I request Somerville Residents contact the Mayor to hire new Officers, the City Council has too let the Mayor do His job He, not the City Council is the appointing authority. I will not hesitate criticize the Mayor, but in this situation the City Council needs to take a step back.

Dave