The 57th Western Massachusetts Police Academy graduated 43 officers at West Springfield High School on Friday afternoon. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Forty-three individuals graduated from the 57th ROC (Recruit Officer Class) Western Massachusetts Police Academy at West Springfield High School on Friday afternoon. The 43 police officers were sponsored by 18 police departments throughout Massachusetts.
Having kicked off on February 5 and conducted in the academy building at Springfield Technical Community College, officers went through six months of physical and mental training that is provided by the Western Massachusetts Police Chief’s Association. The 57th class started out with 49 officers in the academy.
Graduates Michael Bridges and Andrew Smith were sponsored by the Southwick Police Department and will now start the process of being full-time police officers in the department. Bridges and Smith will enter into a field training program within the Southwick Police Department and then review all the town bylaws and procedures before working shifts as full-time officers.
Towards the end of the graduation ceremony, the 43 graduates received their diplomas and had their badges pinned by members of law enforcement whom they personally selected.
Having a long history of police officers in his family, Smith was honored to graduate and move forward with his career path.
Graduating officers Andrew Smith (left) and Michael Bridges (right) posed in their uniforms with Southwick Chief of Police Kevin Bishop. (Photo courtesy of Chief Kevin Bishop)
“I’m honored to be the 5th officer in my family and I’m excited to start working,” said Smith.
Smith’s brother, Sean Smith, is a police officer at the Westfield Police Department and pinned Smith’s badge on stage. Smith’s uncle is also a Westfield Police officer and his elder brother and grandfather were both officers in Westfield.
Growing up in town and going through the Southwick school system, Bridges is eager to protect and serve in his community.
“It was an honor to be given the opportunity,” said Bridges. “Now that I’m going to be able to serve the town I grew up in, it’s just an honor to do it.”
Bridges went on to acknowledge the continued support he received from people around him.
“The support from my family and the Southwick Police department, it makes the six months a lot easier when you have that,” said Bridges.
Chief Kevin Bishop recognizes this achievement in the department as a great experience early into his tenure as Chief.
“This is such a tremendous moment for me seeing that this is my first graduation as the new police chief,” said Bishop. “What even makes it a greater honor is that officer Mike (Bridges) had asked me to have the honor of placing the badge on him.”
Bishop is also looking forward to seeing his two officers in action and interacting in the Southwick community.
“I expect great things from these two officers,” said Bishop. “I believe they’re two very professional officers and are prepared to face the challenges of law enforcement in today’s age.”
Sgt. Mark Baran of the South Hadley Police Department was the keynote speaker for the ceremony and addressed the graduates of the 57th class.
“There has been an incredible transformation that these officers have made over six months,” said Baran. “Now is the time to take what you’ve learned and apply it to the community.”
Baran also commended the 43 officers for their dedication to community service during their six-month training. The graduating class participated in community cleanups, and blood drives. They also raised over $5,000 to give to the families of injured officers Donald DeMiranda and Ryan Moore from Falmouth and fallen officer Michael Chesna of Weymouth.
