On Wednesday April 17th, the Springfield Police Department hosted a pinning ceremony for its newest Captain and two newest Lieutenants. The Captain and Lieutenants were promoted on Tuesday and will the Lieutenants will begin their new assignments on Sunday. Combined they have nearly 60 years of service to the city of Springfield.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “These gentlemen will continue to play a vitally important role in not only supervising street/neighborhood public safety initiatives, but just as important, mentoring our officers – both are critical components of a respected and successful Police Department. As always, I am so thankful and appreciative of not only these leaders’ continued brave and dedicated efforts, but also to their families, who stand by them and allow them to serve our Springfield.”
The newly promoted Captain is Lawrence Murphy who became a Springfield Police Officer in 1997. The newest Lieutenants are Ariel Toledo and Joseph Dunn who became Springfield Police Officers in 1993 and 2008 respectively.
Acting Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said, “Our newly promoted Lieutenants will provide an incredible help to our Department with their knowledge and experience working with our young officers. Captain Murphy will continue to lead the Internal Investigations Unit and report directly to the Commissioner.”
Captain Lawrence Murphy was recently placed in charge of the Internal Investigations Unit, where he reports directly to Acting Commissioner Clapprood as recommended by the Police Executive Research Forum. Prior to this assignment, Captain Murphy worked for the past three and a half years in the Strategic Impact Unit. Captain Murphy has a law degree from Western New England University.
Lieutenant Joseph Dunn graduated from Springfield College and became a Springfield Police Officer in 2008. Lt. Dunn worked the majority of his career as a patrolman in the city’s Central Division. Lt. Dunn has been a long standing member of the Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit and most recently served as a Sergeant in charge of Quality Assurance. He received a commendation in 2013 for his work in apprehending an armed robbery suspect.
Lieutenant Ariel Toledo moved to Springfield from Puerto Rico when he was in high school and graduated from the High School of Commerce. He has lived in Springfield ever since. Lt. Toledo served as a Sergeant in charge of the Forest Park C3 Unit and has received six commendations. One of those commendations was rescuing a young girl who had been kidnapped and arresting the man responsible who had a loaded firearm on him.
