After 34 years with the Aquinnah police department, chief Randhi Belain retired Friday in a tearful ceremony at town hall.
Mr. Belain struggled to summarize his tenure as the town’s top law enforcement official to the more than 30 people in attendance.
“It’s been a heck of a ride,” Mr. Belain, while standing at a podium. “I’ve been thinking about this. How do you sum up 30 years in a few minutes or try to say something?”
Present at the ceremony were friends and family of Mr. Belain as well as members of Martha’s Vineyard’s police and fire departments.
“Randhi is a staple,” said West Tisbury Chief of Police Bradley Cortez. “We love him.”
Ryan Ruley, the new Aquinnah police chief, spoke briefly about filling a role that was occupied by someone so rooted in the community..
“Today’s about Randhi, who is retiring after years of serving the Aquinnah community,” said Chief Ruley.
As per tradition when a police chief retires from their role, Mr. Belain made one final call over the radio to dispatch.
“Thank you control and to all the first responders, brothers and sisters out there,” Mr. Belain said over the radio. “Stay safe. Get home to your families. Stay educated and be kind to one another. Look out for one another.”
There was resounding applause as the now former Aquinnah chief of police signed off.
“We thank you for over 30 years of service,” said the officer on the other end of the radio. “You have devoted your time and energy to serving others. We wish you well in the next chapter.”
After Mr. Belain turned off his radio, he walked from the podium towards members of his family, who were seated at the front of a row of chairs, and embraced them. They spoke to one another in private as tears formed in their eyes.
“It’s hard when you do something for a long time and you care about people and then it just ends,” said Kevin Devine, chair of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), who served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years.
During the ceremony, Mr. Devine presented Mr. Belain, who is also a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), with a blanket that is often given to tribal elders.
“I want to thank you for all that you’ve done, you know, for the last 100 years.” Mr. Devine joked. “Now come work for the tribe.”
Mr. Devine presented the gift to Mr. Belain early for his dedication to community service.
“You’ll get another one of these as an elder,” said Mr. Devine. “But, I think this one means more for the service that you’ve done for us and this community. We appreciate you and love you.”