Chicopee welcomes 30 new public safety officers


Chicopee's new police officers were administered the oath of office by City Clerk Keith Rattell last week. Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE City Clerk Keith Rattell administered the oath of office to 15 new Chicopee police officers and 15 new firefighters in a ceremony at Chicopee High School on Thursday.

Normally such ceremonies are conducted in either the mayor's offices or the Aldermanic Chambers, according to Mayoral Aide Scott Szczebak. The size of this incoming group of public safety officers required a larger venue.

Mayor Michael Bissonnette said, "This is truly a special day for the city of Chicopee."

Noting that in neighboring communities there is concern about crime, Bissonnette noted while people in Chicopee are not acting with "fear and trepidation" about the future.

Bissonnette said that he wouldn't allow the quality of life in the city to be lessened by elements such as gangs and crime.

"Not on my watch," he declared.

Both Fire Chief Stephen Burkott and Police Chief John Ferraro, Jr. expressed their thanks for the support the mayor has shown their departments.

Burkott said the 15 new firefighters was "one of the largest recruit classes in 30 years." He told the recruits' families that their support is critical, especially during the next 12 weeks of training.

Ferraro said that one of the subjects business people ask about the city is whether or not it is safe and the appointment of the 15 new officers enhances the city's ability to attract businesses.

"Mayor Mike gets it," Ferraro said.

The new officers will receive their badges once they complete the Police Academy, he added.

The new firefighters are Erick Henry, Andrew Galik, Nicholas Lacasse, Adam Anischik, Mark Cassidy, Matthew Couture, Joseph Huerta, Michael Cross, Adam Boucher, Michael Croteau, Shaun Foley, Paul Jerusik, Brett Roy and Scott Labrie.

The new police officers are Norman Gagne, Christopher Galindo, Daniel Suprenant, Jason Tuynman, Chad Foisy, Erek Machowski, Matthew Muldoon, Annouson Souvannasane, Matthew Costa, Terry Dec, Patrick Hurst, Michael Mailhott, Melissa Riel and Brett Nichols.