Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood promoted Captain Rupert Daniel to Deputy Chief effective Sunday, October 13, 2019.
A pinning ceremony with Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Commissioner Clapprood and Deputy Chief Daniel took place Tuesday, October 15th at Springfield Police Headquarters.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “Congratulations to Deputy Chief Daniel and his family. I’m very proud of Rupert, not only for his brave and dedicated police work, but also his military service to our country. Kudos to Commissioner Clapprood as this is another first for my/our administration.”
“Deputy Chief Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our command staff both tactically and administratively. His years mentoring and training kids in the city adds another recognizable face to a leadership position for our department,” said Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
Deputy Chief Daniel has a long and distinguished career in both the Springfield Police Department and the United States Army. He retired this year from the U.S. Army after serving for 39 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Deputy Chief Daniel was a Green Beret and served two combat tours in Afghanistan, one combat tour in Iraq and a combat support tour in the Persian Gulf. He has been honored with the Bronze Star twice, among other awards.
Deputy Chief Daniel became a Springfield Police Officer in 1986 and has served the city for more than 33 years. He has served in many capacities including, but not limited to Uniform Division Captain, Administrative Support, Strategic Impact Unit, the Springfield Police Department’s Honor and Commander of the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.
Deputy Chief Daniel also mentored and coached youths in both boxing and karate for more than 20 years at the Dunbar Community Center.
Deputy Chief Daniel was raised in foster homes in Springfield beginning when he was ten. Born of both British and West Indian descent, he becomes the first black Deputy Chief in the history of the Springfield Police Department.
Deputy Chief Daniel has a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College.
