Hadley police officer battling ALS honored with master police officer designation

HADLEY — A longtime police officer who will be leaving the force as he battles ALS was recognized by the Select Board this week.

John Robitaille, who joined the department as a special police officer in October 1999, is being named a master police officer at the request of Hadley Police Chief Michael Mason.

Mason, who is also serving as temporary town administrator, said Wednesday at a Select Board meeting that the creation of the master police officer position will recognize those who have gone above and beyond, and have qualities that others should emulate.

“We are the first unlucky ones in the last 26 years to work in a department without our coworker, our confidante, often our class clown and our friend,” Mason said.

Robitaille has been a training and maintenance officer, the department armorer, sexual assault investigator and field-trained dozens of new recruits, Mason said.

The department made Robitaille’s diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s Disease public in early November, when it posted on social media that many in town may have missed his smiling face and kindness, compassion and integrity in recent months. The hope had been that he was suffering from sciatic nerve pain, but instead they learned of the rapid progression of his condition.

After the designation of master police officer, the Select Board and others applauded from the meeting room at the Hadley Senior Center.

Robitaille, who joined remotely, appreciated the recognition.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you so much,” Robitaille said.

The Hadley Police Association is raising money to ease the burden of Robitaille’s ongoing medical bills via GoFundMe. Since its formation, the association has raised more than $25,000. Those interested in donating can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-john-robitailles-als-battle

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