Springfield Police Academy Graduates 49 Recruits
Springfield, Mass. — Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi are pleased to announce that 49 recruits graduated from the Springfield Police Academy Thursday May 1st. The graduation ceremony was held at Blake Arena on the Springfield College Campus.
Academy Class #0525 began their 23 weeks of training in November under the direction of Academy Director Deputy Chief David Kane and Springfield Police instructors. The Springfield Police Academy recruits will join the Springfield Police Department (45) and Hampden County Sheriff’s Department (4).
Springfield City Clerk Gladys Oyola-Lopez read the recruits their oath and swore them in. Springfield Police Chaplain Father Bill Hamilton provided a prayer. Springfield Police Superintendent Akers, Academy Instructor Lieutenant Eleni Barbieri, Captain Brian Beliveau, Sheriff Cocchi and Mayor Sarno provided remarks.
Springfield Police Superintendent Akers states, “I’d like to thank Deputy Chief 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 49 recruits who have successfully made it through this arduous process, and I promise the 45 new Springfield Police Officers that I will provide them with the tools and support needed to flourish as police officers. I wish them continued success throughout their careers.”
Mayor Sarno states, “Congratulations to all of the graduating officers of our Springfield Police Academy Class #0525. 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 Deputy Chief David Kane, the 49 law enforcement 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 Godspeed.”
Sheriff Cocchi added, “These graduates have demonstrated grit, integrity, and a commitment to public service that will serve them well as they step into their new roles. I’m especially proud of the four individuals graduating to join the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. They are entering a department built on empathy, duty, and second chances—and I know they will rise to meet that mission. Congratulations to all 49 graduates. The work starts now, and your communities are counting on you.”
The Springfield Police Academy Recruit class was under the direction of Academy Director and recently promoted Deputy Chief David Kane. This will be the 5th and final class that Deputy Chief Kane oversees.
The new Springfield Police Officers will begin their assignments on Sunday working with veteran officers in our Uniform division as part of the new Field Training Officer program.