By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 29-31, 2015) — It is a privilege to live in “America’s Home Town,” which is how Stockbridge markets itself. Year round, but particularly from now through Labor Day, people come to the town from all over the world. They come for many reasons, but they can be summed up with the word “pace.” In Stockbridge, you won’t find a traffic light. You might not be able to get cell phone coverage. Streets are clean. Yards are well kept. Main Street looks the same as it did when Norman Rockwell painted his iconic vista nearly 60 years ago.

Our Memorial Day parade is small, authentic, self-contained, and possessor of a quiet confidence that exudes from a community that takes pride in itself. We tend to draw people who seek office, then serve, not for the faux-“glory” of seeing your name on the letterhead or in print but because they genuinely want to apply their talents along the lines of excellence for the betterment of public life. Once upon a time, Pittsfield knew the type. They were called “public servants.”

Stockbridge has a new police chief. You don’t “replace” a chief like Rick Wilcox, who served the department for more than 40 years, 28 of them at the helm. When Wilcox retired in 2013, the town did what Pittsfield almost never does. It actually conducted the “nationwide search.” It wanted the best person for the job.

Stockbridge found him.

THE PLANET has had the pleasure numerous times of talking with Chief Robert Eaton, who took over in February 2014. Eaton came from Smithfield, R.I., where he served as captain. Eaton has re-made the office, re-thought the town’s policing strategies, and imposed a genuine “vision” on his work.

STOCKBRIDGE POLICE CHIEF ROBERT EATON (PHoto by Ben Garver, The Berkshire Eagle)

Yeah, THE PLANET knows, when you hear the word “vision” you want to wretch in your oatmeal. That’s because you’re used to the clown politics of the county seat. Eaton wants a department that’s responsive, innovative, perceptive, and run with foresight. Just one quick example: The chief has worked tirelessly to promote regional intelligence gathering and sharing. To that end, he wants to certify the Stockbridge Police Department through the state’s Police Accreditation Commission. PAC status certifies a department’s excellence and professionalism. He’s aiming high, and our bet is that his grasp keeps pace with his reach.

Now more Mayberry. Welcome 21st century policing.

Change can ruffle feathers, and the chief has. This tells THE PLANET that he’s doing a good job, because he’s ruffling the right feathers. There’s one metric, however, that can’t be measured: compassion. Is Eaton a people “cop”?

THE PLANET obtained a copy of the following letter sent on Jan. 21 to the Stockbridge Board of Selectmen. It reads as follows:

(HEADER) Re: Serve and Protect

Dear Members of the Board:

My sincere thanks to the Stockbridge Police and Fire Departments.

On January 21, my brother, Richard Carlotta, indicated to me he was in medical distress. I live in Ashley Falls and couldn’t get out because of ice conditions. I called Abby at the Coffee Shop on Elm Street and asked her to contact Police Chief Eaton to do a wellness check on my brother. Within a half hour, I was notified by the police department that Richard was on his way by ambulance to Fairview Hospital. By then I was able to get to the hospital and was told he might not have made it without the immediate response of Chief Eaton and Chris (I don’t know his last name). Richard was transferred to BMC that evening.

Since then Chief Eaton has personally checked on Richard, and when he was back in his apartment, the Chief and Chris visited with him.

This is an extraordinary incident of “serve and protect,” and the Town of Stockbridge should be very proud of its Police Department and Emergency Responders. I know that I am.

Sincerely,

Lois Van Cleef.

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“I know that I am,” Lois closes here note.

So are we, Lois, so are we.

If you visit the Stockbridge Coffee and Tea Shop on Elm Street, next to Elm Street Market, you will usually find our dear friend Richard Carlotta there. He’s a Stockbridge institution. THE PLANET has known Richard for years and have enjoyed countless conversations and visits. A combat veteran of the Korean War who saw rough action, Richard is a hero in our book, and because of Bob Eaton, we still have him around to make the day.

Thank you, Chief.

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THE PLANET leaves you with one of our favorite poems by the great Emily Dickinson.

FAITH IS A FINE INVENTION

Faith is a fine invention

When gentlemen can see,

But microscopes are prudent

In an emergency.

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The comment line is now open — any view, any topic. On weekends THE PLANET welcomes your comments. One rule: Don’t be a jerk. Just keep it intelligent, discerning, and as perspicacious as you can.

Look it up!

Have a great weekend, everybody.

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“If that’s all there is, then let’s keep dancing. Let’s bring out the booze and have a ball if that’s all there is.” — Peggy Lee, “Is That All There Is?,” (1969).

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.