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Date: 10/26/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Throughout his recent campaign for the Ward 5 City Council seat, Lavar Click-Bruce stressed an emphasis on enhancing public safety for residents. Click-Bruce and members of the Police Department addressed members of the Ward 5 community during a monthly Sixteen Acres Civic Association meeting on Oct. 18 at the Clodo Concepcion Community Center.
During his campaign, Click-Bruce shared that enhancing public safety within the ward are paramount objectives. He said he would advocate to Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood for a C3 police station to be implemented in the Sixteen Acres area.
“Other areas are represented with C3 policing, but I think that it’s very important that we have representation within our ward with those police officers,” said Click-Bruce in a September interview with Reminder Publishing.
He said he experienced criminal activity firsthand during his time within the ward, including dealing with a recent break-in.
“I was affected on Monday with break-ins, two of my three vehicles on my residence. … I’m aware what’s going on because it’s affecting me personally,” said Click-Bruce.
During the meeting, Click-Bruce discussed the importance of fortifying public safety.
“Public safety is very near and dear to my heart, without public safety, nothing else matters,” said Click-Bruce.
Click-Bruce was joined by officers working specifically within the Ward 5 district. The officers include Lt. Joseph Dunn, Sgt. Jonathan Torres, Sgt. Elizer Vazquez, Officer Edwin Torres, Officer Clay Canning, Officer Martin Germain and Officer Jason Laviolette.
Each officer works within the ward in their day-to-day role within the department. Dunn, Torres and Vazquez are assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, while Torres, Canning and Germain work in the Uniform Division. Laviolette also works in the department’s Ordinance Division.
Sgt. Jaime Bruno, who represented the Springfield Police Department on behalf of Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood, provided background on the officers. Bruno said Clapprood was unable to attend the meeting due to a police conference.
“These officers selected to be in this ward to work. They choose each year where they want to patrol … They’re dedicated and want to work within this ward,” said Bruno. Attendees of the meeting applauded the officers throughout the introductions for their work protecting the community.
Bruno stressed that the officers are dedicated to their responsibilities within the ward.
“The officers’ presence is truly a testament to their dedication to the ward … we will do what we can to keep it safe,” said Bruno.
Click-Bruce thanked the officers for their willingness to connect with constituents. He also reiterated his focus on improving public safety and other issues throughout the ward.
“We’re here to make it even greater, that’s the partnership I want to forge in Ward 5,” said Click-Bruce.
The councilor said he will continue to work with Clapprood in developing a plan for an increased police presence in Ward 5. Click-Bruce also shared updates on other projects within the ward, including a potential traffic study that would add a new stop light near the Clodo Concepcion Community Center.
The Sixteen Acres Civic Association meets on the third Tuesday of every month.