L-R: Fairhaven Police Department Captain Michael Botelho; Det. Gelnn Cudmore holding his Service Award, Chief Michael Myers, Lt. Kevin Kobza holding his Service Award, stop for a quick photo after the presentation of the awards at the Select Board meeting on 9/27/21. Photo by Berh David.
By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven Police Chief Michael Myers presented the department’s Service Award to Detective A. Glenn Cudmore and Lieutenant Kevin W. Kobza at Monday’s Select Board meeting, 9/27/21. Chief Myers said it is he highest ranking award for acts that do not involve saving a life.
Det. Cudmore was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration office in New Bedford for 12 years as a task force officer. That is more than most task force agents spend there, said the Chief, and it is because of Det. Cudmore’s work ethic and knowledge.
“He’s a tremendous detective. It’s great to have him back with us,” said the chief, adding that they use his knowledge of “numerous things” on a daily basis.
According to the award, Det. Cudmore was responsible for investigations that led to numerous convictions of high-level drug dealers. His efforts helped topple several organizations involved in illicit drug sales.
His work resulted in the seizure of enormous amounts of heroin, cocaine and other drugs. It also brought about the seizure of millions of dollars in cash and assets with hundreds of thousands of dollars distributed directly back to the police department. The funds go into a trust fund for equipment and personnel, said the chief.
Det. Cudmore also received the “Most Outstanding Investigative Achievement Award” the US Department of Justic through the US Attorney’s Office in Boston.
“This very prestigious award is presented to only those investigators who successfully prosecuted the most serious of cases within the United States Attorney’s Office,” reads the award.
Det. Cudmore said he was “humbled, but thank you very much.”
He said it was a lot of work, and noted his wife was watching on TV.
“I can’t thank her and the kids enough,” said Det. Cudmore. “Through the years obviously there was dedication on my part, sacrifice on theirs as well.”
He said it was a great experience and that the Fairhaven PD is the best police department to work for.
“I’ve seen a lot. I’ve been around the Commonwealth and other states everywhere else,” said Det. Cudmore. “And this is the place to come back. Absolutely.”
Board members thanked him for his service.
Select Board chairperson Bob Espindola noted that when someone saves a life from a car accident or other dangerous situation, they know it happened. But when pulling drugs off the street, you do not have any idea how many lives were saved. He said he was sure the numbers were “staggering.”
Chief Myers also presented the Service Award to Lt. Kevin Kobza, who is the Accreditation Manager for the department, which received full accreditation in March. Only one-third of departments in the state are fully accredited.
“It means we adhere to the highest standards that the industry wants us to,” said Chief Myers, adding that their polices are of the “utmost integrity” and industry standards.
He noted that the department had already had a head start due to the department’s existing policies under former Chief Gary Souza.
With the most recent police reforms, said Chief Myers, “we’re already there.”
Lt. Kobza worked on the accreditation for seven years, completing 159 certification standards for initial certification, then 382 standards for full accreditation.
More importantly, said the chief, in addition to putting the policies in place, is making sure everyone is doing what they say they are doing.
For his years of service, getting the department to accreditation, Lt. Kobza received the Service Award.
“It’s by far one of our greatest achievements,” said Chief Myers, noting that Lt. Kobza did all that while still performing all his other duties as a lieutenant.
Ms. Powers said she has been through a lot of accreditations in her career and knows, “it’s a lot of work.”
She marveled at the sheer number, 382 standards required.
“That is a lot and it’s a huge undertaking,” she said. “It increases the confidence in you in our community.”
“Thank you for being on board in Fairhaven,” said Select Board member Keith Silvia.
Mr. Espindola noted it was a continuous process, and the award was “well deserved.”
Chief Myers also thanked the town, saying it required the support of the administration, the town administrator, including former TA Mark Rees.
Lt. Kobza said he was not expecting the award.
“I did not do this by myself,” said Lt. Kobza. “This was a department wide efford and endeavor.”
He said it would not have happened without the support of the chief, the entire command staff and town hall. He said he agreed with Det. Cudmore that Fairhaven’s department is the best.
“I’ve worked with many [departments] at all levels of law enforcement,” said Lt. Kobza. “This by far is the best and there’s no other place in the world I’d rather work and…this is just amazing. Thank you all and thank you, Chief.”
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