The Hardwick Police Department’s Employee of the Year for 2008 is
Officer Kevin Blanchard.
During October of 2008, Officer Blanchard prepared an extensive twelve hour block of instruction
regarding the use-of-force and firearms training. Since joining the department five years ago, he has
distinguished himself as a firearms expert. Many officers both within our agency and those who serve
the surrounding areas of Hardwick have relied on Officer Blanchard’s expertise regarding this high-
liability training. Additionally, Officer Blanchard revised the existing Hardwick Police Department’s
Firearms policy to be more in line with accreditation standards.
Shortly after my appointment as Chief in January of 2008, Officer Blanchard and I had several
discussions regarding the quality of life inside the police department. The one word that best described
the physical conditions inside the department was deplorable. Years of neglect were evident. The dirt
and dust, along with inordinate amounts of obsolete equipment cluttered an already overcrowded work
area. The consensus belief among the Hardwick officers is that the lack of a professional work
environment reduces morale and causes officers to move on to other agencies.
During the summer of 2008, Officer Blanchard took the initiative to improve the physical image within the
department. He worked diligently to systematically sort out and clean up years of files and property that
had needlessly accrued within the building. Thanks to Officer Blanchard efforts, all impounded evidence
in the property room has been properly inventoried.
Finally, in March of 2008, Officer Blanchard was on routine patrol when he received a disturbance call on
Wolcott Street. He responded to the area and located a vehicle that he believed to be involved in the
incident. When Officer Blanchard exited his marked unit, the driver in the vehicle intentionally ran him
over, not once, but twice. The driver fled the scene leaving Officer Blanchard severely injured. He
required hospitalization. Although the subject was apprehended a short time later, Officer Blanchard
remained injured and out of work for three months.
Today, on Town Meeting day, we honor Officer Blanchard for his leadership and professionalism. Not
only is Officer Blanchard the Hardwick Police Department’s Employee of the Year, but he is also the
recipient of Medal of Valor, a distinguished award given to those police officers who display the highest
level of courage.
Officer Kevin Blanchard.
During October of 2008, Officer Blanchard prepared an extensive twelve hour block of instruction
regarding the use-of-force and firearms training. Since joining the department five years ago, he has
distinguished himself as a firearms expert. Many officers both within our agency and those who serve
the surrounding areas of Hardwick have relied on Officer Blanchard’s expertise regarding this high-
liability training. Additionally, Officer Blanchard revised the existing Hardwick Police Department’s
Firearms policy to be more in line with accreditation standards.
Shortly after my appointment as Chief in January of 2008, Officer Blanchard and I had several
discussions regarding the quality of life inside the police department. The one word that best described
the physical conditions inside the department was deplorable. Years of neglect were evident. The dirt
and dust, along with inordinate amounts of obsolete equipment cluttered an already overcrowded work
area. The consensus belief among the Hardwick officers is that the lack of a professional work
environment reduces morale and causes officers to move on to other agencies.
During the summer of 2008, Officer Blanchard took the initiative to improve the physical image within the
department. He worked diligently to systematically sort out and clean up years of files and property that
had needlessly accrued within the building. Thanks to Officer Blanchard efforts, all impounded evidence
in the property room has been properly inventoried.
Finally, in March of 2008, Officer Blanchard was on routine patrol when he received a disturbance call on
Wolcott Street. He responded to the area and located a vehicle that he believed to be involved in the
incident. When Officer Blanchard exited his marked unit, the driver in the vehicle intentionally ran him
over, not once, but twice. The driver fled the scene leaving Officer Blanchard severely injured. He
required hospitalization. Although the subject was apprehended a short time later, Officer Blanchard
remained injured and out of work for three months.
Today, on Town Meeting day, we honor Officer Blanchard for his leadership and professionalism. Not
only is Officer Blanchard the Hardwick Police Department’s Employee of the Year, but he is also the
recipient of Medal of Valor, a distinguished award given to those police officers who display the highest
level of courage.
