WESTFIELD POLICE CHIEF LAWRENCE VALLIERE
WESTFIELD- Police Chief Lawrence Valliere has shifted several personnel around within the police department since he took the position last month, a move that he said is to keep the department from becoming stagnant.
Detective Lt. David Ragazzini has been moved to the patrol officer’s division while Lt. Steve Dickinson will take over the Detective Bureau in his stead. Dickinson was just promoted to lieutenant from sergeant in January, and has experience within the Westfield Detective Bureau. Ragazzini had been the Detective Bureau head for nine years.
Valliere also moved Lt. Eric Hall to patrol so that Lt. Kevin Bard may take over as head of the Community Policing Division. Hall was the head of Community Police for eight years, according to Valliere.
Valliere said that there was no wrongdoing on the parts of any of those who were moved from their positions. Part of his reasoning for making these moves was to “get motivation going” within the department. He said he has not received any push back from any of the affected officers.
Valliere added that he moved Ragazzini and Hall to patrol because he believes that it is one of the most important divisions within the Westfield Police Department.
“Patrol is the backbone of the department,” said Valliere.
He added that he believes that being in the patrol division may better prepare some officers if they ever want to become captain, a position that may open up within the year. Capt. Michael McCabe is currently running for mayor of Westfield. Should he win that election, Valliere said he may have to prepare to fill the captain’s seat.
Valliere added that Community Police may also take a slightly different role going forward. They may begin working with the building department and enforcing city ordinances. Their job will be partly to inform individuals that they have been accused of violating a city ordinance.
