02/19/2026
Officer Sargood, thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our community safe. We appreciate you more than you know!
Officer Sargood,
Thank you again for a job well done.
Chief Bennett shared details of a recent incident you handled, and we both agree that your actions may very well have saved lives, and certainly prevented significant property damage, because you took the extra initiative to investigate what you observed.
Late in the evening on February 17th, while on patrol, you detected a strong odor of gas in the area of the Heritage Bible Church. You did not ignore it. You investigated further and discovered that a large section of ice had fallen from the roof and struck a gas pipe, severing it from the building. Princeton Fire was dispatched and confirmed dangerously high gas readings. The gas company responded, and the emergency was successfully neutralized.
Because of your diligence and attention to detail, this community avoided what could have been a catastrophic event.
Sadly, just hours later in Boonville, New York, five people were hospitalized after a church explosion caused by a gas leak.
Incidents like that truly underscore how serious this situation was and how different the outcome in Princeton could have been if not for your actions. It is officers like you, who remain proactive, alert, and committed, that make a real difference every day.
Rob, thank you again for your dedication, professionalism, and fine service to this community and to our department.
Respectfully,
Paul M. Patriarca
Chief of Police
Princeton Police Department
8 Town Hall Drive
Princeton MA, 01541
978-464-2125