MONTAGUE — The Selectboard this week voted to increase compensation for reserve officers after accepting the retirement of longtime Police Sgt. John Dempsey, who plans to step into one of those roles next month.

Chief Christopher Williams explained that Dec. 30 will be the sergeant’s final day, with plans for him to become a reserve officer starting Jan. 15. A reserve officer is one that works part-time for the department.

After Dempsey was appointed as a reserve officer on Monday, Williams explained the sergeant’s retirement was the perfect time to adjust the wage scale for his reserve officers. He then successfully lobbied Selectboard members to adjust the department’s wages so that any retired officer hired as a reserve officer earns $32.35 an hour, the same pay as “a maxed-out patrolman.” This is an increase from the $25 to $28 range that is based on an officer’s experience.

Selectboard members accepted Dempsey’s retirement paperwork with regret and thanked him for 27 years of service.

“I’ve had some interactions with you over the years — they’ve always been great, professional,” Selectboard Chair Rich Kuklewicz told Dempsey. “I’ve heard nothing but positive comments.”

Dempsey said former Chief Ray Zukowski taught him years ago that small acts of kindness can make a world of difference on the job.

“I’ve had some ups and downs, as any profession would have, but I’ve totally enjoyed my time working with the community, the citizens of the community and all the chiefs that I’ve worked with,” Dempsey said.

Also, Dempsey mentioned the years he headed the department’s K-9 unit were the happiest of his career.

“And I’ll never forget those times,” he said, growing emotional.

Dempsey also thanked his wife “for putting up with all the shift changes.”

Williams told the Greenfield Recorder that Dempsey’s role will be filled by promoting an officer and then hiring someone to replace that person. He said this process will not start until after the holidays.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.