L-R: Fairhaven Town Clerk Carolyn Hurley swears in officers Ryan Benoit and Jillian Jodoin to the Fairhaven Police Department during the Selectboard meeting on 7/13/20, while Selectboard members look on in the background, Selectboard chairperson Daniel Freitas, board members Keith Silvia and Bob Espindola. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Selectboard moved its meeting upstairs to the auditorium of the town hall on 7/13/20 to swear in two new police officers. The larger room allowed for family members to witness the ceremony and still stay six feet apart as pandemic guidelines recommend.
Town Clerk Carolyn Hurley administered the oath to Ryan Benoit and Jillian Jodoin. They both graduated from the police academy at Joint Base Cape Cod on Friday, 7/10.
Mr. Benoit, 28, served as an MP with the 772 Military Police Company. He has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from UMassD and graduated from New Bedford Voc-Tech in Engineering Technology. He was also a squad leader in the academy.
L-R: Officer Ryan Benoit and Officer Jillian Jodoin stop in front of town hall for a photo with the local free sheet after being sworn in to the Fairhaven Police Department on 7/13/20. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
Ms. Jodoin, 30, was a dispatcher with the department. She serves as an E4 specialist in the Army National Guard as a Chemical, Biological, Radiology, and Nuclear Specialist.
In a phone interview, Lt. Kevin Kobza, Fairhaven PD spokesperson, said the two new recruits faced “unique challenges” due to COVID-19 restrictions. Luckily, they had most of the physical conditioning behind them when the restrictions hit, but they still need the Physical Fitness Test. They had to train for that on their own.
“Despite these challenges both recruits managed to make it through successfully,” said Lt. Kobza.
He said both officers did well in their training, despite having to take some classes online due to the pandemic.
“We wish them the best of luck for a safe and successful career with the Fairhaven Police Department,” said Lt. Kobza. “We are happy to welcome them to the department.”
Mr. Benoit and Ms. Jodoin began field work on Monday with Lt. Kobza, and began patrols on Tuesday, each assigned to a unit with an experienced officer.
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