March 24, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Following thought-provoking interviews by a panel of local police chiefs and the Selectmen, Hingham Police Sgts. Steven Dearth and John Marquardt were promoted to lieutenant status last night to fill two open positions on the force.
Questions posed last week to all three candidates -- including Sgt. Nicholas Smith -- related to recent police reform, how to help people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community feel comfortable and safe in Hingham rather than marginalized, and the importance of the proposed Fiscal 2022 mental health clinician police budget item.
Upon the recommendation of Police Chief David Jones, the board's vote was unanimous. Jones and the Selectmen agreed that all three candidates were qualified to step into the challenging lieutenant role immediately, regretted that there were not three open positions, and said they would expect that Smith would participate in future interviews involving a potential promotion.
"It was a difficult decision with three highly-qualified candidates," Jones said. "I'm incredibly proud of the way all three officers represented themselves and the department as a whole and look forward to working with the two new lieutenants and also Sgt. Smith."
Selectmen Chair Mary Power called the interviews part of a "vigorous process. We are just so proud of all of you," she said.
In other police business, Leslie Badger was appointed as the Inspector of Animals for the Town of Hingham (Animal Control Officer) -- an annual appointment.
"Leslie is one of the most well-known and liked HPD officers," Power said. "She is sort of like a rock star in Hingham!"
Town Administrator Tom Mayo agreed, saying that Badger does a "fantastic job." He noted that when people consider what the role of ACO involves, "we often think of coyotes, skunks, [injured animals], and others," Mayo said.
However, Badger's job goes far beyond that perception -- such as the time when Mayo saw hundreds of bees buzzing around his window at Town Hall, and who showed up to solve the problem but Badger, decked out in protective gear.
"Leslie will show up and take care of the issue at hand, whatever it is," Power said. "This community respects and trusts what you do -- which is a reflection on how you approach your job and communicate with our citizens, including children -- whether bees, a domestic animal, or wildlife. We appreciate what you do for this community."
Badger graciously accepted the appointment. "I hope to continue to do a good job for the town," she said.