Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Police Commissioner John Barbieri conducted a pinning ceremony to promote eight officers this morning at Police Headquarters on Pearl Street.
Brian K. Keenan was promoted to Captain; Jessica L. Henderson, Kenneth J. Murray and Juan A. Rosario were promoted to Lieutenant; Aaron O. Butler, Joseph A. Dunn, Brian D. Strout and Ariel Toledo were promoted to Sergeant. These exceptional members of the Springfield Police Department proved their worthiness of promotion through their demonstrated dedication to the City of Springfield and their outstanding performance in a rigorous promotional process.
Mayor Sarno said, “Proud of each and every one of them and thank them and their families for their continued brave and dedicated efforts to keep our city safe. Of special note, Lt. Jessica L. Henderson becomes the first female African-American to earn the rank of Lieutenant too.”
“This ceremony honors their achievements, highlighting this benchmark in their careers, and serves to thank them and their families for the sacrifices they continue to make in order to serve and protect the residents of Springfield,” said Commissioner Barbieri. He continued, “The promoted personnel have agreed to take on the tremendous the burden of responsibility of ensuring that their assigned personnel perform in the manner predicated by sworn oaths of office, while serving as leaders, mentors and role models for our officers.
Also in attendance was WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund, friend of Captain Brian Keenan.
