By CHRIS COLLINS
(Greenfield, MA) — Greenfield residents today are mourning the sudden death of a popular former police chief. Retired Greenfield Police Chief Dave Guilbault died Sunday. He was apparently stricken at home and pronounced dead later in the day at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. Guilbault worked his way up through the Greenfield department, starting off as a patrolman and eventually ascending to the Deputy Chief’s position, and eventually became chief following the retirement of David McCarthy.
Guilbault eventually retired himself and was succeeded by current Chief Robbie Haigh, whom Guilbault originally hired as a patrolman before Haigh left for another agency.
“He was a cop’s cop,” Haigh said. “He was the kind of guy you wanted to work hard and do your best for.”
Former Greenfield City Council President Tim Farrell said one of his earliest honors as a young selectman was taking part in the ceremony formally promoting Guilbault to Greenfield Police Captain.
“I pinned (his badge) as a captain, but we’d already known each other for years before, since I was a kid” Farrell said. “He was a great guy who was great for the department and served Greenfield well.”
Current City Council President Penny Ricketts said she will miss Guilbault on a personal and professional level.
“It’s a huge loss,” Ricketts said. “I loved that man so much. He was honest, forthright, I miss him already.”
Former Greenfield Mayor and current City Councilor Christine Forgey said Guilbault’s death leaves a big void in the Greenfield community.
“He was one of a kind,” Forgey said. “He was a great leader who took care of his people and made sure he was always there for them. Very wise and professional and a great sense of humor.”
Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan called Guilbault “a brilliant man” whose interests in policing extended far beyond Greenfield.
“He was very strategic in his thinking,” Sullivan said. “He really cared about creating the best possible system not just for Greenfield but for all of Franklin County.”
Former City Council President Dan Guin said Guilbault was the kind of person who liked people.
“I was always impressed with how he treated people with respect,” Guin said. “He treated everyone well, whether you worked with him or just in everyday life.”
Retired Greenfield Police officer Maria Burge said Guilbault was instrumental in helping her shatter a glass ceiling and become the city’s first full-time female officer.
“Without his trust and confidence in me, I would never have joined the force,” Burge said. “There are no words that can describe the deep sadness I feel right now.”
Guilbault is survived by a wife and daughter. Funeral services are incomplete at this time. Dave Guilbault was 67 years old.