Springfield Police Department Promotes Two Captains, Four Lieutenants & Two Sergeants
Springfield, Mass. — On Tuesday December 17th, Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers on behalf of the Springfield Police Department along with Mayor Domenic J. Sarno held a promotional pinning ceremony for the Department’s eight newest Supervisors inside Scibelli Hall on the campus of Springfield Technical Community College.
Springfield Police Superintendent Akers promoted Captains Joseph Dunn and Julio Toledo, Lieutenants Eugene Roux, Mark Kenney, Naomi Reyes and Ricardo Viruet, along with Sergeants Norberto Diaz and Michael Dyer. Lt. Roux’s promotion became effective on November 10th, the remaining seven promotions became effective on Sunday December 8th.
Superintendent Akers stated, “These Supervisors each have their own unique story as to how they have reached this point in their careers within the Springfield Police Department. Their contributions to the department and to our community is second to none. From raising money and awareness for a rare medical disorder to championing our C3 Unit and building trust in our toughest neighborhoods these Supervisors understand that serving is part of their mission. They have overcome obstacles and unthinkable tragedies, but this diverse group has broken barriers and continues to be role models for our younger officers. These Supervisors are smart and understand how we are trying to advance the Springfield Police Department. I encourage them to be leaders and make an example for our younger officers.”
Mayor Sarno stated, “I am proud to congratulate our brave and dedicated Springfield Police Officers who are being promoted today. We are grateful for your years of service and continued brave and dedicated efforts in keeping our Springfield community safe. In addition to their combined 170 years of professional police experience, these dedicated sergeants, lieutenants, and captains are a proud reflection of the diversity in our community. The Springfield Police Department is the most diverse department in the Commonwealth, from the top brass down to rank and file. Our diversity is our strength and reflects the beautiful mosaic of our Springfield community – something we are proud of. I commend thank Superintendent Larry Akers for his continued steadfast leadership as we continue to make Springfield the best city and police department possible. Once again, congratulations to the eight newly promoted officers today, and thank you to each of you and your families for continuing to step up to serve and protect all of our residents and business community with courage, professionalism, honor and integrity. Wishing you continued good health and God speed.”
Captain Julio Toledo
Captain Julio Toledo has long served the Springfield Police Department from its infancy in the C3 North End Unit. Born, raised and residing in the North End neighborhood, Captain Toledo graduated from Springfield Central High School. He holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Forensic Criminology from the University of Massachusetts and is an Adjunct and Criminal Justice Professor at Bay Path University and Holyoke Community College.
Captain Toledo graduated from the Springfield Police Academy in 1997 and during his 27 year career has received numerous accolades for his work on-duty and in the community, including but not limited to a departmental Commendation in connection with the arrest of a Firearm-armed robbery suspect, the recipient of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department Safe Neighborhood Visionary Award, he was the Civil Service Ambassador in the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade and was named the Unsung Hero for Community Service and Commitment by the western Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce.
During his career, Captain Toledo has worked as an undercover Narcotics Detective, after being promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1997, he was a Supervisor in the B.A.D.G.E. Unit, and C3 Unit, and then after being promoted to Lieutenant in 2019, he continued his work in the C3 Unit and now the Neighborhood Stabilization Unit.
Captain Toledo has three children, Daniel, Diana and David and is married to Springfield Police Special Victims Unit Detective Denise Toledo. He was pinned by his son, Daniel Toledo.
Captain Joseph Dunn
Captain Joseph Dunn joined the Springfield Police Department in 2008. In the 16 years he has served the city he has received two departmental Commendations.
Captain Dunn has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Springfield College and is currently working towards his Master’s degree at American International College.
He has been a long-serving member of the Springfield Police Emergency Services Unit. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2016 and to the rank of Lieutenant in 2019. He is currently a Captain in the Uniform Division.
Captain Dunn lives in Springfield, with his wife Emily, who is the first female Hispanic Lieutenant in the department’s history. They have two children.
He was pinned by his father, Tim Ashby.
Lieutenant Eugene Roux
A Marine Corps veteran and Cathedral High School alumni, Lieutenant Eugene Roux has served the city of Springfield since 2008.
Raised in Springfield, Lt. Roux has a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 2020 and has worked as an Academy Instructor, School Resource Officer, in the Street Crimes Unit, Tactical Response Unit and is currently a Supervisor in the Uniform Division.
He was pinned by his son, Grayson Roux.
Lieutenant Naomi Reyes
The first female Hispanic Supervisor in Springfield Police Department history, Lieutenant Reyes has served the city as an officer since 2010.
Lt. Reyes currently works as a Student Support Unit supervisor with previous experience in the Uniform Division, Narcotics Unit and Student Support Unit. She has a Master’s degree from Westfield State University.
Before joining the department, Lt. Reyes proudly served our country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army and a technical supervisor for the 104th Fighter Wing in the Air National Guard.
She was pinned by her son, Benicio Mestre.
Lieutenant Ricardo Viruet
Coming from a law enforcement family, Lieutenant Ricardo Viruet has served the city of Springfield for more than 28 years. The Springfield Central High School graduate has received numerous accolades for his work as a Springfield Police Officer. He has received four departmental commendations, most recently for outstanding performance in his role during the Springfield Ironman 70.3 for making the inaugural event seamless.
Lt. Viruet was promoted to Sergeant in 2021 where he continued his work in the Springfield Police Radio Unit, in part responsible for live communication and overseeing ShotSpotter effectiveness.
Speaking of his law enforcement family, Lt. Viruet’s mother Aida Figueroa, is a retired Corporal from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, his brother Eric Figueroa is a Corporal at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, his great Aunt Mercedes Torres is a retired Massachusetts State Trooper, his cousins Eddie Sierra (retired), Michael Sierra and Eddie Sierra Jr. have served as officers in the Springfield Police Department, his cousin Alexander Sierra is a court officer and his cousin Crystal Sierra is a Deputy in the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department.
He was pinned by his uncle, Retired Army Sergeant Gumersindo Gomez.
Lieutenant Mark Kenney
A fourth generation Springfield Police Officer, Lieutenant Mark Kenney has served the city for 27 years.
Born and raised in Springfield, the 1991 Cathedral High School graduate has received an Associate’s Degree from Springfield Technical Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Western New England University and a Master’s Degree from Westfield State University.
During his career, Lt. Kenney has been awarded two departmental commendations and a life-saving award. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2020. He has worked in the Uniform Division, Ordinance Unit and as a Supervisor in the Records Division and Internal Investigations Unit.
He was pinned by his fiancé, Carrie Normoyle.
Sergeant Michael Dyer
Sergeant Michael Dyer joined the Springfield Police Department in 2011 after graduating from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Two years later he received a departmental commendation for his role in the arrest and ultimate conviction of a serial armed robbery suspect.
Originally from Marshfield, Massachusetts, Sergeant Dyer is currently a Detective in the Crime Scene Unit and has been a member of the motorcycle unit since 2020. He has worked in the Student Support Unit and Ordinance Unit as well.
Sergeant Dyer has two children, Jonathan and Emery with his wife of 17 years Anne. He was pinned by his wife, Anne Dyer.
Sergeant Norberto Diaz
Born and raised in Springfield, Sergeant Norberto Diaz has served our city for 26 years. Sergeant Diaz has worked all three shifts in the Uniform Division as well as stints in the Street Crimes and Student Support Units.
After graduating from Cathedral High School, he received an Associate’s Degree in from Quincy College before completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College.
Sergeant Diaz has been recognized by the department for outstanding performance and service above and beyond the call of duty.
The son of Milagros Diaz, Norberto is the proud father of daughters Naomi and Gabriela Diaz. He was pinned by his wife of 28 years, Evelyn Diaz.
