CHESHIRE, Mass. — A veteran officer of the Police Department is out after his position as school resource officer was was basically eliminated. 

 

The Select Board on Thursday night voted to lay off Sgt. David Tarjick after the Hoosac Valley Regional School District requested he not return to the high school campus. 

 

An investigation had cleared him of an incident with a student but he went to the school prior to being officially reinstated.

 

The vote came after about 19 minutes of discussion and statements from Tarjick, who had requested the posted executive session be opened. 

 

"I love this town. I've given my all to this town, and I guess this is the thanks I get," Tarjick said. He said he was being made a "scapegoat" because of threats of a lawsuit.

 

The 18-year veteran of the force was accompanied by his attorney and nearly three dozen supporters who were not allowed to speak on his behalf. Public participation was not listed on the agenda as the meeting had been for executive session.

 

The initial incident had involved a complaint of the use of force with a student; according to Tarjick and officials, a third-party investigation cleared him of any allegations. The Select Board at an executive session on Nov. 12 voted to reinstate him as he had been relieved of his duties as SRO during this period.