The Springfield Police Academy and its instructors under the direction of Captain David Kane and Lieutenant Thomas Zarelli trained and educated 33 new officers over the course of the past six months. 31 new officers will join the Springfield Police Department, while two officers will join the Springfield College Police Department. This is the first Academy class to graduate and begin their careers with Body-Worn cameras.
“I am so proud to see these new officers graduate and have the courage to become a police officer. Our officers will continue their training with three week rotations throughout some of our specialized units. By holding our promotional ceremony in the morning, we hope these new officers recognize that while this is just the beginning there is a great opportunity for advancement throughout their careers,” said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
“Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, "Congratulations to our brave and dedicated Police Officers and their families who are being sworn in and to all those being promoted today. Your accomplishments are to be commended and these promotions are well earned and deserved. Commissioner Clapprood and I are proud of each and every one of you and we thank you and your families for your service and continued brave and dedicated efforts in keeping our Springfield and the community safe. Congratulations and God Speed!"
Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood in the past few weeks has promoted four new Captains, three new Lieutenants and four new Sergeants.
Captain Lawrence Akers has been a Springfield Police Officer for 35 years. A High School of Commerce Graduate, Captain Akers has been a lifelong Springfield resident. Captain Akers has served in several different assignments most recently becoming the first supervisor to serve in the Gaming Enforcement Unit. A second generation Springfield Police Officer, Captain Akers’ father Charles E. Akers served the city for 29 years retiring in 1987. Captain Akers holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Criminal Justice and has been a recipient of the Frank Murphy Medal of Valor.
Captain Edward Geier has worn several hats during his 35 year career as a Springfield Police Officer. Most recently he was instrumental in the implementation of the department’s Body-Worn Camera program.
A High School of Commerce Graduate Captain Ariel Toledo has been a Springfield Police Officer for 27 years. Born in Puerto Rico before moving to Springfield Captain Toledo holds a Master’s Degree from UMass and spent eight years in the Army National Guard as a helicopter mechanic. Captain Toledo has received numerous letters of recognition and a Commendation for an arrest involving a barricaded suspect that was shooting at officers.
A Springfield native and Central High School graduate Captain Jeffrey Martucci has served the city of Springfield as a police officer for 22 years. Captain Martucci is in charge of the Springfield Police Departments’ Underwater recovery team and served as both a Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Department’s Homicide Unit. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University and is a former Springfield Police Cadet.
Lieutenant Christopher Collins is a lifelong Springfield resident who graduated from Central High School. Lt. Collins has served the city of Springfield for 13 years after spending nine years in the Springfield Police Department’s Cadet program. Lt. Collins holds degrees from Springfield Technical Community College and Curry College.
Lieutenant Ronald Sheehan has served the city of Springfield as a police officer for 33 years. He grew up in East Springfield and holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Criminal Justice. Lt. Sheehan was previously assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
An Army veteran who served in Desert Storm, Lieutenant John Zollo has been a Springfield Police Officer for 25 years. Lt. Zollo was raised in Springfield, graduated from Cathedral High School and received a Masters’ Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State University. Lt. Zollo has received three departmental commendations and is a founding member of the Springfield Police Honor Guard.
Sergeant Derek Slattery has been a Springfield Police Officer for 25 years. He is a Springfield native and graduate of Cathedral High School. Sgt. Slattery also holds a Masters’ Degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England University.
Sergeant Stephen Sicard has been a Springfield Police Officer for 13 years and joins the ranks of supervisors assigned to Squad A.
A Springfield Police Officer for a decade Sergeant Hector Morales is Springfield born and raised. He graduated from the High School of Commerce and became a Springfield Police Department Cadet. Aside from his duties in the squad, Sgt. Morales was a member of the Quebec Unit for two years.
A member of the Springfield Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU) Sergeant Patrick Denault has served the city of Springfield as a police officer for eight years. Sgt. Denault served in the United States Navy Reserves for six years and has a Bachelors’ Degree from Westfield State University. Sgt. Denault is a Springfield native who graduated from Central High School and was a Springfield Police Cadet for four years.
