MORIAH — It was a bittersweet finish Wednesday, April 29 when Officer Arthur Brassard retired as the last remaining member of the Moriah Town Police Department.
“I’ll miss helping people, and working with the guys (other agencies),” he said as he finished his last shift. “I’ll miss the work and the people. It’s been an adventure. Just when you think you’ve seen everything.”
Arthur Brassard, 55, served the Town of Moriah for 31 years, 26 of those as a full-time police officer patrolling the town’s 71 square miles and serving a population just under 5,000.
The town has advertised four times for a replacement with no success, Moriah Town Supervisor Matthew Brassard said.
“The state police and (Essex County) Sheriff’s Department will have to handle the monthly calls that Artie got,” Matthew Brassard said. “We’re hopeful we’ll find someone, maybe a couple of part-time officers. The state training requirements are extensive.”
He said Arthur Brassard also assisted Moriah EMS on calls and provided traffic control at emergency scenes.
The town once had other officers on the force but as they left or retired, they were not replaced, leaving Arthur Brassard as the sole officer for the last few years.
Arthur Brassard said he doesn’t have any specific plans for what he’ll do now, but he does have a part-time job as the court officer for Moriah Town Justice Court every Tuesday night.
“I may see some of the same people I saw as a police officer,” he quipped. “So I won’t be completely gone.”
Matthew Brassard said Arthur Brassard brought a local touch to law enforcement in the town.
“He knew everybody. He knew the town. Other agencies would ask him where to find some place or someone. It was more than just a job to him. I think we’ll all miss him.”
Members of state police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Essex County Sheriff’s Department and State Department of Environmental Conservation Police all came to the Moriah Police Station just before Arthur Brassard’s final shift ended at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
So did the staff from the Moriah Town Hall next door; some members of Moriah Town Council; Arthur Brassard’s wife, Shannon; and other family members.
“Everyone came to honor Artie and wish him well,” Matthew Brassard said.
As the time approached, Arthur Brassard got into the Moriah police cruiser to sign off for the last time.
“7B-351 to dispatch,” he said, his voice choking a little. “I want to thank the state police, DEC, the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and Essex County Dispatch for helping me get through 30 years of service. I wish everyone well. Godspeed. 351 out of service, ending tour. 032.”
“Essex County Dispatch is on the air with a special announcement,” was the reply from the Essex County 911 Dispatch Center in Lewis. “After 30 plus years of selfless service to the citizens of the Town of Moriah, Officer Brassard, Shield 032, is now out of service for the final time. Officer Brassard, we thank you for your service and dedication to the Town of Moriah Police Department for many years, as a true testament to your cause.
“Congratulations on your retirement and a job well done. Shield 032, out of service. Essex County clear.”