Academy Class #0523 began their 23 weeks of training on December 19th. Under the direction of the Academy Director, Springfield Police Captain David Kane and the Springfield Police Academy Instructors these recruits have completed their training and are now sworn in as police officers heading to their respective department. 25 of the police officers will join the Springfield Police Department, four will join the Springfield College Police Department and one will join the Longmeadow Police Department.
Springfield City Clerk Gladys Oyola-Lopez read the recruits their oath and swore them in. Superintendent Clapprood, Academy Director Kane and Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno all provided remarks.
“I’d like to thank Academy Director Kane and his staff of Springfield Police instructors for training and preparing this class for the beginning of their career in this honorable profession,” said Superintendent Clapprood. She continues, “Their training was not easy and they should be extremely proud of this accomplishment. To be successful in this career they will need the support of their family, friends and fellow officers. Policing will continue to evolve and I urge our new officers to strive for excellence no matter what challenges they face.”
Mayor Sarno states, “Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood and I are proud to congratulate our Springfield Police Department academy graduates. Thank you to these brave and dedicated men and women, and their families, for making the commitment and sacrifices to serve and protect our community with courage, professionalism, honor and integrity. Godspeed.”
The Springfield Police Officers who graduated will begin working in the Squad next week being paired with veteran officers.
Prior to the graduation the Springfield Police Department held a pinning ceremony for provisional Deputy Chief Lawrence Akers. Superintendent Clapprood promoted then Captain Akers on May 2nd. Deputy Chief Akers has served the city of Springfield as a police officer for 37 years.
