An entire Massachusetts police department resigned Monday, citing "unsafe working conditions."
The Town of Blandford interim police chief and all three police officers abruptly stepped down, according to The Western Mass News.
In a statement signed by Interim Police Chief Roberta Sarnacki, Officer Chris Anciello, Officer Gage Terlik, and Officer Krysten Scapin, they said that they made the decision over the "current situation with the department."
Among their concerns are inadequate staffing levels, mechanical issues with police cruisers, ill-fitting bulletproof vests, wages and poor radio communication systems.
"We regret leaving the town without a town police force, but we have no choice given the situation that we face," the statement reads.
Town officials in Blandford and Chester met last week to discuss the idea of merging their town's police departments
Blandford's selectboard released the following statement Monday night:
"For the past two months Interim Chief Sarnacki has done a fine job with our police officers and our police department. It is unfortunate that she led this officer walk out as she would have been considered as one of our candidates for Acting Chief position as we pursue the future opportunities with our police force. We have had multiple public meetings with our police force and have offered them the opportunity to engage and provide their opinions for the direction of the force.
We have reached out to our neighboring communities to insure the safety and security of our citizens. Until such time residents should continue as normal to dial 911 in the event of any emergency and local or state assets will be dispatched to assist them. The Town of Blandford is continuing its already posted search for a new Police Chief."
In a Facebook post, Blandford Police said that residents should continue calling 911 for emergencies and for other police services, call the Massachusetts State Police barracks in Russell at (413) 862-3312.
