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Date: 12/7/2021
CHICOPEE – As the department experiences staff shortages, Chicopee Police is gearing up to welcome a wave of new officers.
In an interview with Reminder Publishing, Mayor John Vieau spoke about the additions the department is making. “After retirements have reduced our number of officers, we are working to build the police force back up,” said Vieau. The mayor shared that 10 officers are currently training in police academy, with 15 more cadets set to join the academy in spring of next year.
The mayor hopes that the increase of officers will allow Chicopee to enhance its community police program. Alongside efforts to revitalize the city’s downtown space, Vieau said he aspires to develop steady police patrols in every village of the city.
Interim Deputy Chief Jeffery Gawron also spoke to Reminder Publishing about the new additions coming to the department. “We’re short-staffed, so it’s great that people are set to join the department. I’m happy that people are interested in becoming police officers, it’s a rewarding career,” said Gawron.
Along with adding new officers to the mix, Chicopee is currently undergoing an extensive review process to determine the new full-time deputy chief of the district. Vieau said he has assembled a team for extensive review of the candidates, including the mayor’s Chief of Staff Michael Pise, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and Assistant School Superintendent Alvin Morton.
The mayor stressed the importance of having Morton involved due to his dual role as assistant superintendent and liaison with the district’s Police Department. “He brings a vital perspective to this process,” said Vieau. He also discussed his reason for leaving Gawron out of the selection process to ensure a transparent and unbiased decision by all involved.
Vieau expressed encouragement with how the ongoing process has been, sharing that three candidates are currently in consideration as the review board prepare to select their candidate. “We are picking who excels through this process,” said Vieau.
Updates on the deputy chief selection process will be shared via Mayor’s Orders during City Council meetings.