A community in Massachusetts has jumped to the defence of a sheriff charged with driving under the influence. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Admired sheriff in trouble
Residents of Hampden County in Massachusetts have had to come to the defence of their sheriff after he was arrested in a casino.
Police arrested Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi on Saturday for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was outside MGM Springfield Casino at the time of the offense and was charged by a judge on Monday.
I’m sorry for not living up to the high standards I’ve set for myself”
In a press conference in front of the courthouse, Cocchi apologized for his actions. “I’m sorry for not living up to the high standards I’ve set for myself, my staff and the justice-involved population,” the sheriff of eight years stated, adding that he takes “full responsibility.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was one of the first to defend Cocchi, describing him as a “good, good man and a very, very good leader” who has “helped thousands.” Meanwhile, some Hampden locals defended Cocchi on social media, one deeming him “one of the best sheriffs this county has ever seen.”
A bad night for a good man
Mayor Sarno drew attention to the sheriff’s track record if helping those within his community. For instance, Cocchi has earned a Distinguished Service Award for his contributions as sheriff, as well as multiple Employee of the Month nods.
In regards to his initiatives, the sheriff has attempted to help the homeless, improve graduation rates, and tackle the opioid crisis in the area. He also founded Freedom Pups, a program for teaching prison inmates responsibility by training dogs.
Cocchi also demonstrated his ingenuity during the pandemic, convincing the department to utilize its York Street industries to make protective equipment for first responders.
Cocchi initially pled not guilty to the drink driving charges against him, but changed his plea because there was sufficient evidence to convict. He will be on probation for a year, has lost his driver’s license for 45 days, and has to complete a driver alcohol education program.
Some aren’t so impressed
Although plenty of people have come to the defence of the sheriff, some have argued that his punishment is not sufficient, particularly given the fact that he was also arrested in 1996 for drinking in a jail parking lot after a shift.
One commentator on social media wrote: “’The rules don’t apply to me’ – that guy.” Another said “Let him spend the night in his own system,” suggesting that Cocchi should spend some time behind bars for his transgression.
