Town officials express frustration that Hopedale has become a training ground for policemen -- at a cost of approximately $40,000 per person -- who then leave to advance their careers. 

At its meeting on Dec. 21, 2020, the Board of Selectmen accepted the resignation of Cody Carneiro from the Hopedale Police Department. “He was employed with us for 18 months..We have to rectify Hopedale being a training ground and then just going to agencies that are paying better,” said Police Chief Mark Giovanella, adding he expects another resignation next month from his 13-person force.  

Chief Giovanella said it costs the town approximately $40,000 to train a new policeman. Costs include thePolice Academy (26 weeks), equipment, backfilling shifts to ensure two people are on at a time, plus any benefits the employee receives from the town.

After a short stint in Hopedale, officers have left for Framingham, Franklin, Milford, Mendon, and others. 

“At the end of the day, there are variables that come into play as we make our career decisions and we [the Town of Hopedale] have to be competitive,” said selectman Brian Keyes. 

Town officials said they will address the issue during the next budget cycle. 

Selectmen also appointed two new call firefighters including Alex Carchio of Mendon and Jennifer Richard of Milford, effective Dec. 1, 2020. Fire Chief Thomas Daige noted neither candidate was able to attend the selectmen’s meeting as they were at training which had started the day before.