Current Police Chief John Camerota (left) with newly selected Police Chief Lawrence Valliere. (Photo by Peter Currier)
WESTFIELD- The Westfield Police Commission will meet May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. This is the commission’s first meeting since the selection of Capt. Lawrence Valliere as the next chief of police.
One item on the agenda is the appointment of special police officers. On the list are Marisa Parmeggiani and Dario Camacho. Police Chief John Camerota said that neither should have any trouble being appointed. As is typical of new hires or promotions at all levels of the police department, the candidates will likely come before the commission and answer interview questions.
Also on the agenda is the appointment of a new police captain, effective June 22. Camerota said that the only name on the certification list for captain from the Human Resources Department is Lt. Jerome Pitoniak. S Pitoniak be given the new rank, he would take the spot that will be left vacant by Valliere, who will assume the role of chief on the same day in June. Pitoniak was one of five candidates for the chief’s position.
Michael McCabe with wife Jen and daughter Kate at his announcement of run for Mayor of Westfield. (Photo by Amy Porter)
This will also be the first police commission meeting since Capt. Michael McCabe announced his bid for mayor of Westfield. McCabe, who was also a candidate to be chief, announced his campaign in April when he filed his nomination papers at the city clerk’s office.
McCabe said he was considering running for mayor for a long time, but decided to do it now due to a change in circumstanes. McCabe said he plans to continue his duties as police captain during the campaign and he will attend police commission meetings. He is running against State Sen. Don Humason (R).
