ERVING — The Erving Police Department is left with only one remaining full-time patrol officer after three officers resigned in January and February.
Brandon Bryant, Mitchell Waldron and Brandon Garvey, all full-time patrol officers, have resigned from the department, bringing a staff roster that ordinarily consists of six down to three: Police Chief Robert Holst, Sgt. Adam Paicos and Patrol Officer Derek Worden. Additionally, while not a full-time officer, cadet Jennifer Watroba resigned on Jan. 23.
Holst said these resignations were a “surprise” to him, and the reasons for the departures that were communicated to him related to furthering personal and career growth, though none of the resignation letters from the officers cite specific reasons. While the department is without most of its patrol force and does not have any part-time officers, Holst confirmed that the town is actively hiring for the vacant positions, and he plans to speak with the lieutenant of the State Police barracks in Athol to ensure that State Police can assist with filling the gaps.
“We are going to be able to provide police services, obviously,” Holst said, “as we always have in the past, even if we have to reach out to [Massachusetts] State Police for assistance.”
According to the Erving website’s employment page, the department is hiring for these vacant positions on a rolling basis, with a pay range of $28.16 to $35.66 per hour. The town has also established an Patrol Officer Screening Committee to vet candidates.
Town Administrator Bryan Smith said the town and Holst are taking staffing and community safety seriously, and that that they are working to hire quality candidates promptly. Like Holst, Smith wants to assure residents that anyone who needs police assistance will still have a response, even if it is from Massachusetts State Police, in the event that an Erving officer is not on shift when a call for service is received.
The Erving Police Benevolent Association Local 121, the police labor union that represents officers within the department, issued a statement in response to public concern expressed on its Facebook page following Garvey’s resignation.
“We understand that many residents are concerned about recent departures. In a small department, staffing changes are felt more quickly than in larger agencies,” the union’s statement reads. “[Garvey’s] resignation represents a significant loss of experience, specialized certification and community engagement for a small department already navigating staffing challenges.”
The statement went on to say that the union does not control staffing and policy, as that lies with department leadership and the Erving Selectboard. The statement urges concerned residents to attend public meetings and to contact their elected officials.
“We cannot discuss internal personnel matters publicly, but we remain focused on advocating for sustainable staffing, officer wellness and long-term stability for the community,” the union’s statement continued.
Smith said he cannot comment on any personnel matters within the department that might be contributing to the resignations, but he mentioned that the town and police union are in negotiations now for new contracts. Holst said he is not privy to the discussions within the negotiations, and he can’t comment on whether the ongoing negotiations had any impact on the officers’ resignations.
Bryant left the Erving Police Department effective Feb. 1, according to his letter of resignation that was accepted by the Selectboard on Jan. 27. He had served in Erving since 2021, and has experience serving on the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Anti-Crime Task Force, which helps member departments in Franklin and Hampshire counties identify, investigate and prosecute drug and firearm offenses, gang-related crimes, human trafficking, major crimes and other organized illegal activity. Bryant now works for the neighboring Montague Police Department.
In his letter, Bryant thanked Holst for his guidance and support during his time with the department, and said he appreciated “the opportunities for professional growth and the experience” he gained in Erving.
Garvey’s letter of resignation was emailed to Holst on Feb. 19, with an effective resignation date of March 3.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Garvey wrote. “Serving the town of Erving has been a meaningful and rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside dedicated professionals committed to serving our community. The experience and professional growth I have gained during my time here will continue to guide me throughout my career.”
Garvey, who joined Erving in January 2024, added that he is “committed to ensuring a smooth transition” and that he is “willing to assist in any way possible during this period.” He holds a number of credentials, including being Erving’s certified sexual assault investigator, among others.
Waldron, who was hired in Erving in March 2022 and served as the department’s field training officer, sent a similarly worded resignation letter.
“This decision was not made lightly, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the town of Erving and to have worked alongside the dedicated members of the department,” Waldron wrote. “I appreciate the experience, training and professional relationships I have gained during my time here. I am committed to assisting with a smooth transition and will fulfill my duties responsibly through my final day of employment.”
While not a full-time officer, Watroba, who joined the department as a cadet on Dec. 1, 2025, resigned on Jan. 23, according to her letter of resignation. The Erving Police Benevolent Association Local 121 shared on Facebook that Watroba accepted a full-time position with the University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department.
When asked about replacing Watroba, Holst said the focus of the Erving Police Department will be on filling the vacant patrol positions before hiring a cadet.