Trombly takes the reins as Hampden’s new police chief

April 7, 2021 | Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com

Law enforcement officials from around the area, including Sherriff Nick Cocchi and members of the East Longmeadow and Wilbraham Police Departments, turned out to congratulate Hampden’s new police chief, Scott Trombly, at his swearing-in ceremony on March 31.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen.

HAMPDEN – Law enforcement officials from around the area, including Sherriff Nick Cocchi and members of the East Longmeadow and Wilbraham Police Departments, turned out to congratulate Hampden’s new police chief, Scott Trombly, at his swearing-in ceremony on March 31.

Richard Marchese, who had served as the interim police chief since January, said Trombly was “a great choice. He’ll serve the [officers] and the people of Hampden well.” He  wished the new chief luck and added, “It’s a great department.”

The new chief said a few words and teared up as he thanked his family, who stood behind him while he spoke.

Hampden Select Board Chair Donald Davenport spoke of Trombly’s 27 years in the department. “We’re proud of the work he’s done for many years,” Davenport said, adding that he was shown leadership and experience.
Trombly’s reasons for entering law enforcement were what people might expect. “I always looked to help people, be involved, solve problems. I also enjoy talking to people.”

He began his career as an auxiliary officer in his hometown of Palmer. After studying law enforcement at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), Trombly worked as a reserve officer in the  Warren, Monson and Hampden police departments. He went on to attend the police academy and was hired as a full-time officer in Hampden in 1994.

The interview process recently completed by the Select Board was not Trombly’s first time up for the top position. In 2005, Trombly applied for and was chosen as chief, but all parties were not able to come to an agreement during contract negotiations. He said that circumstances have changed since then.

“I’ve matured over those 15 years,” Trombly said. “Being a detective allowed me to step into the office role,” and become more ready for the administrative side of being chief. His family is also older, letting him devote more time to the job.

As chief, Trombly has a department of nine full-time officers, 10 reserve officers who work part-time and four auxiliary officers who fill in as needed. He also oversees an administrative assistant and dispatchers, though that service is in the process of moving to Wilbraham.

The new chief said small-town policing and law enforcement in larger areas are not dissimilar. “Crime that happens elsewhere happens on a smaller scale in Hampden,” Trombly said of the calls the department gets for vandalism, break-ins and opioids. He said people still have to lock their back doors, despite living in a small town.

One area that Trombly plans to focus on is community policing. “Whether you’re big, small - you should be able to step out of the cruiser, walk into a business,” he said. He remarked that he also believes in getting involved with kids and making sure that the community has a chance to interact with police outside of emergency situations.

“We’re here. Reach out to me,” Trombly said is his message to the town. “We’re here to make sure people feel safe and can go about their lives in Hampden.”

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