Retired Police Detective Roxann Bradley (2nd from left, front) with some of her fellow officers and detectives from the Westfield Police Department. (PETER CURRIER PHOTO)
WESTFIELD- The Police Commission recognized the retirement of Det. Roxann Bradley March 9 in a short ceremony during the Commission meeting.
Bradley was a member of the Westfield Police Department for 23 years before she was injured during a department training accident last year and retired in November. Before she was a full time officer, she was a reserve officer beginning in 1991.
Dozens of Bradley’s friends, family, and fellow officers came to the meeting to see her be recognized for her years of service.
“Roxann is one of the most liked people in our department. She always had a great attitude and a laugh wherever she went. Despite her pain and discomfort, she holds her head high and looks for no pity,” said Police Chief Lawrence P. Valliere, “This was not the way she wanted to retire. This was not the way any of us wanted her to retire. She was a great police officer possessing great integrity, courage, cooperation, investigative skills, and work ethic.”
Valliere said that he had worked directly with Bradley for four years while they were both detectives.
“She touched many lives in our community, especially when people needed it most. Maybe they needed a hug. Maybe they needed to be locked up,” said Valliere, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Valliere presented Bradley with a plaque with “Thank you for your service and dedication to the City of Westfield Police Department. June 22, 1991-November 23, 2019,” engraved on it.
Others gave praise to Bradley as well, including Police Commission Chair Leonard M. Osowski.
“Not only is she a great police officer, but she is a great mom. She has two great kids, Josh and Lexi,” said Osowski, who said he is Bradley’s neighbor.
Commissioner Felix Otero said that he remembered when Bradley first joined the department and recalled that they worked together for some time when Otero was an officer.
