SAUGUS — Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli was honored as the “Public Servant of the Year” by the Saugus-Everett chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at the group’s annual Italian Night Thursday evening.
The event drew a crowd of several dozen people, including all five members of the town’s Board of Selectmen, Superintendent Erin McMahon, and state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus). In keeping with the theme of the evening, Italian food was readily available at the event.
Exalted Ruler Rob Strasnick said the Elks decided to honor Ricciardelli not just because of his police work, but also because of his philanthropic efforts to give back to the town.
“The reason we’re giving him the award isn’t just because he does a great job, that obviously is a prerequisite, but it’s what he does above and beyond,” Strasnick said. “Philanthropy, I’ve learned, is at the heart of what the gentleman to my right [Ricciardelli] does.”
Strasnick cited the work Ricciardelli has done to help bolster reading education for elementary schoolers and his aid to a visually-impaired man, helping him find housing, and even taking him to the grocery store on a weekly basis.
“He has really taken it upon himself to do these small things and really make a difference in the community,” Strasnick said.
The Elks selected Ricciardelli because of his work going “above and beyond the call of duty in Saugus,” Strasnick said.
“He contributes to the community philanthropically [but] he doesn’t do any of it for recognition,” Strasnick said in an interview.
Ricciardelli, who started his career with the town’s police department as an officer in 1995 before working his way up to chief, said he was grateful to be honored by the town after 28 years of service, though he was quick to note he felt there were at least a dozen others deserving of recognition.
“This award is very humbling to me,” he said.
In an interview after his remarks, Ricciardelli said he was especially grateful that so many of the elected officials representing the town came out to support him at the event Thursday.
“That meant a lot to me and my family,” he said.
Ricciardelli also praised the Elks for the work they have done to support the police department, including dropping off food during ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks last month.
Wong also spoke during the event and presented Ricciardelli with a citation congratulating him on receiving the award from the Elks.
In an interview, Wong said it was important for him to show his support for members of the town’s law enforcement departments.
“What can you say about people that go to work and save people they don’t even know?” Wong said. “I can’t say enough for our officers, they’re doing a great job.”
Charlie McKenna can be reached at [email protected].
