Ending a 35-year career in law enforcement with the town, Oak Bluffs police chief Erik Blake will retire at the end of June, the select board announced Tuesday night.
Ending a 35-year career in law enforcement with the town, Oak Bluffs police chief Erik Blake will retire, the select board announced Tuesday night.
The retirement takes effect June 30.
Board chairman Brian Packish read into the record a press release approved by the board following an executive session at the outset of Tuesday’s meeting. The statement outlined Chief Blake’s contribution to the Oak Bluffs police department in particular, and the town in general.
Chief Blake attending a prayer vigil at Inkwell Beach in 2016.
Chief Blake attending a prayer vigil at Inkwell Beach in 2016.
Chief Blake’s long career began with his employment as a special summer officer in Oak Bluffs.
He was appointed as a full-time officer in 1988, and subsequently rose through the department’s ranks. In 2000, he became a sergeant, and in 2002 he was promoted to lieutenant. In 2003 he was promoted to acting chief and then permanent chief following the departure of Joseph Carter.
During his time with the town, Mr. Blake, who is an Islander, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western New England College, and served on a number of police associations and committees.
“When I started listening to that press release, I was like, wow, 1987,” the chief said following the announcement. “I’ve loved every minute.”
Over the years he has held numerous leadership roles on and off the Vineyard. In 2013 he was named president of the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association, the first Vineyard chief to head the association.
More recently he served as president of the NAACP Martha’s Vineyard chapter, and has been an advocate for social justice on the Island.
On Tuesday night, each member of the board took a moment to thank the chief for his service and dedication to the town.
“You’ve helped in many ways,” board member Jason Balboni said. “You were there without question.”
Member Ryan Ruley, who works as an Edgartown police officer, said he never worked directly under Chief Blake, but appreciated the times they were able to work together.
“He was a big piece of advancing policing over the last 20 years,” Mr. Ruley said.
Chief Blake said the time has come to let someone else take the baton.
“It’s time for the next generation to take over,” he said. “I’m ready for the next chapter.”
The town will work with the chief from now until the end of June to find a replacement.
Comments
I wish all the best to the
Bob EdgartownI wish all the best to the Chief in retirement it is deserved. Just wondering how many retired police chiefs are there now from the island police force? Is it 4, 5, 6 or more I am not sure. But I do know the island needs to think about how much this costs each town, it is past time to give the taxpayer a break and combine some of this expense that keeps getting larger. The police budget on this island just for salaries is over $8M we have to be able to reduce this if we combined as one.
If they can not agree on
George Stein Oak BluffsIf they can not agree on accepting funding for a new high school it is quite unlikely your noble position gets any attention sir.
Not all departments are of
fact checker edgNot all departments are of the same 'caliber & quality' unfortunately. We have a great dept here in Edg and as a long time taxpayer and resident I do not want that professionalism 'diluted' by 'absorbing' those from 'problem departments'. Its a nice 'buzzword' to think that regionalization will save, but the reality is that it would require more layers of supervison. Highly paid Captains, Leuitenants, seargents, all of whose pay gets bumped up via the 'quinn bill'. I'll keep what we have and the other towns can keep theirs. As GS above stated, if you can't agree on the HS funding, this would be another problem. Heres a thought... do you like county goverment? They would be flexing their muscle to control things just like the MV Commission. Each town knows whats best for its own residents.
I Always felt Chief Blake was
Edward Redd .Oak bluffsI Always felt Chief Blake was exceptional in his stewardship of the police department .We will be fortunate to find someone with a similar temperament ,fairness and compassion .He will be missed and I’m sure I speak for many who have the same appreciation for his service.Congratulations for a job well done!
Let’s not get into
mvchick OBLet’s not get into politicking here. The point is we OB residents (winter and summer) have all benefitted from this man’s professionalism and expertise, with a community-minded dedication that has proven successfully unique. Please just give the man his due: gratitude and congratulations on his retirement. You, Erik, have earned it and are wished the very best in your next journey.
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