Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers joined for the Springfield Police Academy Graduation Ceremony for Class 0424 today at Springfield College. The class includes 35 new police officers, of which 25 will join the Springfield Police Department, three the Westfield Police Department, three for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, two for Holyoke Police Department, one for Springfield College and one for Greenfield Community College.
Today, the graduates of Class 0424 took their oath of office and were formally pinned with their badges. 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.
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.”
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 plays 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.”
The new Springfield Police Officers will begin their assignments on Sunday working with veteran officers in SPD’s Uniform division.
