Mayor Domenic J. Sarno hosted a ceremony this morning in the Mahogany Room of Symphony Hall where Cheryl Clapprood was sworn in as Springfield Police Commissioner. She was appointed Acting Police Commissioner in February and was officially appointed Commissioner on September 20, 2019. Commissioner Clapprood has more than 40 years of experience with the Springfield Police Department. Her contract is for four years.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “Commissioner Clapprood has done an exemplary job and has been well received and respected by the public and our Police Department during some very trying and challenging times in the world of policing. From fast tracking the implementation of body worn cameras to continuing to expand our C3 Neighborhood Policing to moving P.E.R.F. reform initiatives that strengthen and enhance community police relations, Commissioner Clapprood’s tough, fair, heartful and decisive leadership style and vision has brought stability and confidence to our public and our department. ‘She has said what has to be said and done what has to be done.’ Again, I thank her and our ‘men and women in blue’ for their continued brave and dedicated efforts to keep all our residents, neighborhoods and business community safe and sound.”
“I am thankful for the support of the women and men of this department over these past few months. I’m honored in the confidence Mayor Sarno has shown in me. I have served this city for more than 40 years and am eager to continue serve our residents in this new role as we embark on major technological advances and continue the programs and projects we started when I was named Acting Commissioner,” said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
Commissioner Clapprood began her career in law enforcement on April 9th, 1979 when she became a Springfield Police Cadet. On October 19th, 1981 she entered into the Police Academy and became a sworn officer.
In September 1987, then Officer Clapprood was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 11 years later she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, a supervisory position she held until October 2010 when she earned another promotion. Captain Clapprood continued rising the ranks and was appointed Deputy Chief in July 2017.
Commissioner Clapprood has a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England College (WNEC), a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College and an Associate’s degree in law enforcement from Springfield Technical Community College. Clapprood also served as an adjunct professor at WNEC from 2000 to 2009.
Prior to becoming a Springfield Police Officer, Commissioner Clapprood served in the United States Air Force both in active and reserve status from 1978 until her honorable discharge in 1984.
In her 40 plus years of service to the City of Springfield, Commissioner Clapprood has worked as an undercover narcotics officer, a Special Victims Unit supervisor, street supervisor and watch commander among other roles within the Springfield Police Department.
Clapprood’s lasting mark in the community has been through her volunteerism and mentoring. She created and organized the Springfield Police Youth Athletic Association in 1994, coached numerous teams and runs the Stephen O’Brien Memorial Learn to Skate program which began in 1996 and continues to this day every winter.
Springfield born and raised, Clapprood is honored to be the Commissioner of the Springfield Police Department and the first female Commissioner in the city’s history.
