In the News

Mayor Sarno and Commissioner Barbieri Announce New SPD Media Relations Specialist

Friday, September 8, 2017

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Police Commissioner John Barbieri announce the hiring of Ryan Walsh as the Springfield Police Department Media Relations Specialist.  Ryan officially accepted the position today, Friday, September 8, 2017.

Ryan is an award-winning journalist who has spent the past 11 years at WWLP-TV – 22News.  He has been the recipient of the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award and has won multiple Associated Press and Mass Broadcasters Awards.  Ryan has a Masters’ Degree in Education from Western New England University and is a 2002 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University.  Ryan was also the President and Chairman of the Board of a Not-For-Profit at Syracuse University for ten years.  He comes from a police family, most notably his great-grandfather Charles Schoeffel was the Colonel of the New Jersey State Police for more than a decade. 

Mayor Sarno stated, “Great to have Ryan Walsh on board and again, my thanks to Sgt. John Delaney in his brave and dedicated role of ‘wearing many hats’ for our SPD. Commissioner Barbieri has pushed across many positive initiatives that have helped reduce overall crime in Springfield by nearly 20% this year. Bringing on Ryan, in a separate and distinct sole function of media relations is another part of Commissioner Barbieri’s original five point plan to move our SPD forward in public safety, quality of life, as well as economic development aspects. Ryan brings a wealth of experience and a first of its kind cutting edge role to our SPD.”

“I am very pleased to have Ryan Walsh as part of our Springfield police team.  His media expertise will be utilized for community engagement to encourage collaboration on quality of life and crime issues. Ryan will also be of invaluable assistance with keeping the community updated on crime issues and police efforts to address them, public safety services, information service/collaboration with area public media outlets, and efforts to be more transparent,” said Commissioner Barbieri.

“We are going to exemplify the stories that are seldom told of the great work day in and day out the Springfield Police Department.  I will be accessible 24/7 and truly understand what the media is looking for from this position.  I cannot thank the Mayor and Commissioner enough for this opportunity.  I would not feel complete without praising the work of Sgt. John Delaney.  It is a high standard that I strive to reach,” said Ryan Walsh. 

Ryan will begin on September 18, 2017 with orientation and soon after will be connecting with the media with his new contact information.  Outside of his daily duties, Ryan will be attending neighborhood meetings and handling media requests.  

Ryan and his wife Kara celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary yesterday.  They have a 2 year old daughter Josephine and are expecting another daughter due in early October.

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