Springfield Police Academy Graduates 35 Recruits
Springfield, Mass. — Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers on behalf of the Springfield Police Department, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Westfield Police Chief Jerome Pitoniak, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt, Springfield College Department of Public Safety Chief Joe Tiraboschi and Greenfield Community College Director of Public Safety Jack Vanasse are pleased to announce that 35 recruits graduated from the Springfield Police Academy Thursday April 18th. The graduation ceremony was held at the Fuller Arts Center on the Springfield College Campus.
Academy Class #0424 began their 23 weeks of training in November under the direction of Academy Director Captain David Kane and Springfield Police instructors. The Springfield Police Academy recruits will join the Springfield Police Department (25), Westfield Police Department (3), Hampden County Sheriff’s Department (3), Holyoke Police Department (2), Springfield College Department of Public Safety (1) and Greenfield Community College Department of Public Safety (1).
Springfield City Clerk Gladys Oyola-Lopez read the recruits their oath and swore them in. Springfield Police Superintendent Akers, Academy Director Kane, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, chair of the joint committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security all provided remarks.
Springfield Police Superintendent Akers stated, “I’d like to thank Captain Kane and his Academy instructors for spending their last six months training our future officers. Their dedication and professionalism play an integral role in developing these young men and women as they begin their careers in law enforcement. Also, I’d like to congratulate these 35 recruits who have successfully made it through this arduous process, and I promise to provide them with the tools and support needed to flourish as police officers. This group will be special to me as this is my first Academy Graduation as the Superintendent and I wish them continued success throughout their careers.”
Mayor Sarno states, “Congratulations to all of the graduating officers of our Springfield Police Academy Class #0424. Superintendent Larry Akers and I want to thank and congratulate not only those graduating but their families as well. Being a police officer is still an honorable and noble profession and the dedication and sacrifices made to protect and serve our community is deeply appreciated. Under the leadership of Academy Director Captain David Kane, the 35 police officers graduating have the training and skills necessary to join their respective departments with the utmost professionalism, honor and distinction. Congratulations and on behalf of the city of Springfield, wishing you continued success and God speed.”
The new Springfield Police Officers will begin their assignments on Sunday working with veteran officers in our Uniform division.
