Erving Select Board Interviews Two Police Chief Finalists, Defers Appointment to Monday

ERVING — March 3, 2021 — Erving Select Board interviews two police chief finalists in virtual session, decision deferred. The board, meeting via GoToWebinar on Wednesday, March 3, questioned Sergeant Robert Holst — who has served as acting chief since August 2020 — and Sergeant David Rice for the permanent police chief position, with Chair Jacob Smith and member William Bembury alternating questions in a structured format moderated by Town Administrator Brian Smith. Holst, a 10-year department veteran, emphasized community policing, bias-free training, and body camera expansion, noting Erving was the first department in Franklin County to adopt body cameras. No public questions were submitted during either interview window, only statements of support. The board voted unanimously to recess between interviews and indicated it would deliberate and potentially make a formal appointment at its Monday, March 8 meeting.