Haverhill's police chief, Alan DeNaro, is under consideration for the job of Somerville's top cop.
DeNaro would be an excellent choice, probably the best of the bunch. We feel comfortable saying this even though we don't know the identities of the other candidates. But we know him.
The chief has proven himself a more-than-capable leader and a stable, steadying influence on his department.
As reported by the Gazette's sister paper, The Eagle-Tribune, Somerville officials are interviewing Haverhill government leaders and others as part of the vetting process.
We expect the excellent references that they no doubt will give are going to make it difficult for Somerville to choose anyone else.
DeNaro has brought a level of professionalism to the Haverhill Police Department that makes the city proud. The one-time "outsider" has made himself all but indispensable in the eyes of his employers — the people of Haverhill.
At this week's City Council meeting, and in interviews with this newspaper as well as with The Eagle-Tribune, at least four councilors have either praised DeNaro or called on Mayor James Fiorentini to do what he can to keep the chief in Haverhill.
DeNaro is not speaking publicly about interest in the Somerville position or what inspired him to look elsewhere. If a certain professional challenge calls to him — one that he cannot achieve here — there's likely nothing anyone can do or say to persuade him to stay.
But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.
There is one thing that Haverhill can promise today that Somerville can't, with certainty. Support.
Crime-fighting is difficult work. A police chief and a police department need the support of the local government and, more importantly, the local population, to get the job done.
The window of opportunity is short. If DeNaro is Somerville's choice, he will know within the next few weeks.
On our website, haverhillgazette.com, is a comment section accompanying every story and column, including this one.
Log on and leave a message for the chief, letting him know that Haverhill wants him here.
Home-grown sustenance
Haverhill's Farmers Market continues to recreate itself, filling a much-needed niche in the community.
It is especially satisfying to students of Haverhill history to see the city's extensive agricultural base gain renewed respect and vitality.
Born as an agricultural center, Haverhill has helped to feed the Merrimack Valley for more than 350 years, and continues to do so today.
Fresh, healthy vegetables, meats and poultry, eggs, preserves, syrup, honey, cheeses, herbs and baked goods are available every Saturday morning through the end of October. Better still, your purchase can be made directly from the man or woman who grew the tomato, fed the chicken that laid the eggs or tapped the maple tree that gave sap for syrup. In other words, your neighbor.
Simply delicious.
