Current Police Chief John Camerota (left) with newly selected Police Chief Lawrence Valliere. (Photo by Peter Currier)
WESTFIELD-Members of the Police Commission and other city officials said their public goodbyes to Police Chief John Camerota during the Police Commission meeting Monday, which was the final one of Camerota’s career.
Following the bulk of the meeting, but before the commission adjourned, Commissioner Leonard Osowski read a goodbye letter to Camerota, who is retiring Friday after more than two decades as chief.
“For over 22 years, we have had some good times and some stressful times. He was a great friend, always there to listen and help. I learned a lot from John, I hope he learned something from me. John is a cop’s cop,” said Osowski. “He was always respected and revered, and he had to make a lot of tough decisions over the course of his 22 years. I can’t say enough about his leadership ability and guidance to this department. His next chapter will be great, I think his next job will be thrilling. The word on the street is that he has another full-time job coming. It’s a top-secret job, but I got permission from my sister in the CIA to let you guys know. You probably know his favorite job will be babysitting his beautiful grandchildren.”
Commissioner Felix Otero, a former Westfield Police officer, said he has known Camerota for more than 30 years.
“He’s taught me an awful lot over the last 11 years,” said Otero, “I am just so impressed with what our department has gotten to, and it is all behind John Camerota.”
Osowski then asked if members of the audience wanted to say anything for Camerota before the meeting adjourned. City Councilor Michael Burns, the council’s liaison to the police department, spoke on behalf of the council to praise Camerota.
“On behalf of the City Council, we would like to thank you for your more than 40 years,” said Burns. He continued on to talk about how they knew each other in high school and how they and their families had worked together when they were younger.
Captain Michael McCabe spoke up to give a brief, but emotional speech about his time with Camerota.
“I don’t know of anybody who has benefited more from John Camerota than me. He has been my direct report for 32 of 34 years. As some people may know, he has been more of a father figure to me than a chief. I’ll just leave it at that,” said McCabe.
Camerota was then given the opportunity to speak.
“It’s been an honor and privilege. You talk about the things I do . . . it’s because of the people around me. It’s all you guys. You’re the best and the brightest,” said Camerota, “Stay safe. Be smart. Continue to work hard. I wish you the best, and thanks to all of you.”
Capt. Lawrence Valliere will succeed Camerota as chief.
