New Springfield MA Police Commisioner

[FPrice]

Edward A. Flynn, currently the Massachusetts Director of Public Safety has been named as the new Police Commisioner for the city of Springfield MA. This appointment has been met with much discussion and more than a little criticism. Charges of political selection and retirement pay padding, among other things, have been leveled at this appointment.

Still, there are people who support this selection and point to Flynn's work as the COP in Chelsea as proof of what he can do in a city with problems.

My question for those who may have known him or lived in Chelsea, what is his position on firearms ownership and CCW by us peons? Does he support us or does he have the typical Massachusetts politico's view that we are too stupid and prone to commit crimes to be allowed to have firearms?

What is in store for Springfield?

 

[Garys]

He's originally from New Jersey, and was an officer down there. He was also Chief in Braintree and I think one of the first things he did was disarm and then disband the Auxiliary Police.

If that's a hint.

Gary

 

[Len-2A Training]

I think I posted this story here previously, but I am thrilled to see him leave EOPS . . . and here's my sympathy card to Springfield!

This story was told to me by a trusted friend and former LEO that has since fled to AZ.

When Flynn was chief in Braintree, a seasoned Boston PO allegedly came in for his permit renewal (resident of Braintree). This was in the days when a LTC was an LTC, BUT restrictions still could be put on them by any chief who desired to do so (lots of them did).

Flynn told him that he'd renew his LTC, BUT RESTRICT HIM TO DUTY CARRY ONLY (BTW, LEOs do NOT need a LTC to carry on duty in MA)! The Boston PO allegedly came around the desk and made some disparaging remarks about Flynn that made him rethink that position.

So the good news is that Flynn will treat LEOs like anyone else. The bad news is that he'll treat everyone like shit as far as gun licenses go!

I am certain that this is good news as seen by CHSB, who has futilely been trying to get some CMRs passed by EOPS thru Flynn's reign.

 

[dreppucci007]

Jesus, if he's restricting LEOs, I can just imagine how many LTC apps he will not approve, or maybe even approve with restrictions! Thank god I live on this side of the state.

 

[MrsWildweasel]

Frosty, hope you don't live in Springfield. Glad he's not chief in our town. [lol] [lol]

 

[FPrice]

Jesus, if he's restricting LEOs, I can just imagine how many LTC apps he will not approve, or maybe even approve with restrictions! Thank god I live on this side of the state.

Supposedly the previous COP (Springfield instituted a Police Commissioner versus a COP recently to remove the "politics" from the position) also did not issue LTCs. In any event I think Springfield has long been a gun "unfriendly" place, at least for honest citizens.

 

[FPrice]

Frosty, hope you don't live in Springfield. Glad he's not chief in our town. [lol] [lol]

Thankfully I live in South Hadley which has been a very friendly place. When I first moved here the then COP gave me a note amending my Chicopee-issued LTC to "Personal Protection" telling me that I "had a duty to protect my family". Since then Personal Protection/ALP renewals have been standard.

 

[MrsWildweasel]

My guess is because of all the gang violence that is going on there, which would be more of a reason for citizens to protect themselves.
Glad you are in one of the friendly towns Frosty. Our new chief is good. Our old one was ex-mil and believed everyone should be armed. This one seems to be following in his footsteps thankfully.
Although I think a small riot would ensue in town if he didn't. [lol]

 

[mark056]

Len is on the money with regard to Secretary Flynn. I too am glad he is leaving EOPS.

Mark

 

[FPrice]

Len is on the money with regard to Secretary Flynn. I too am glad he is leaving EOPS.

Mark

Oh...damn. When a couple of guys in the know say this, it ain't good.

 

[MrsWildweasel]

No it can't be good,but at least he's not in our towns.

 

[FPrice]

No it can't be good,but at least he's not in our towns.

I am worried about the influence he may bring since he claims to have so many "contacts". Let's hope that the good local chiefs consider him for what he seems to be.

 

[MrsWildweasel]

True,hopefully the smaller town chiefs won't buy into him/his ideas. Hmmm might have to talk with some of our officers.

 

[Len-2A Training]

I got the impression that he was NOT well respected/liked by many in LE and they were NOT happy when he was appointed Sec. of Public Safety.

They are all probably hoisting a few cold ones in celebration of his leaving that job.

I know that one of the best EOPS attorneys left (or was fired) when he took over the job. It was sad to see her go for a number of reasons: she was actually quite reasonable and pleasant as well as competent.

Therefore, I'm not sure that many will turn to him for advice when he tries to swing weight with the Mass Chiefs of Police Assn (already our sworn enemies anyway).

 

[Garys]

I got the impression that he was NOT well respected/liked by many in LE and they were NOT happy when he was appointed Sec. of Public Safety.

Any "respect" they had for him was most likely tied to the amount of money he could direct their way. Now that he has no clout, his influence will go away as well.

Gary

 

[MrsWildweasel]

We can hope.