Springfield Police Department Promotes Two Lieutenants and Four Sergeants: City of Springfield, MA

“Our new Lieutenants will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our young patrol officers.  They both have unique expertise and abilities that I believe they will help connect with our squad officers as they educate and guide our young department,” said Springfield Police Superintendent Clapprood.    She continues, “We had an incredible amount of interest in our latest Sergeant exam with more than 75 officers passing the test.  These outstanding and dedicated young men promoted today were extremely impressive during their interviews with my command staff and they bring a new wave of youth to the Supervisory ranks.” 

Mayor Sarno states, “Congratulations and thanks to all of our brave and dedicated Police Officers and their families.  These promotions are well earned and deserved.  Superintendent Clapprood and I want to express our thanks and appreciation to all of our brave and dedicated men and women in Blue for their continued service to our residents and business community.  Again, congratulations to all of our newly promoted officers. God Speed!”

Lieutenant Brian Elliott has been a Springfield Police Officer for 25 years after beginning his career in the Amherst Police Department.  The Springfield native and Cathedral High School graduate was promoted to Sergeant in 2010.  A founding member of the Metro Unit; he has been integral to the police department’s initiatives and programs related to the homeless, mentally ill and drug-addicted populations.  He thanks his wife Sarah and sons for their support and looking forward to the next chapter.  Elliott was pinned by his son Aidan when he was promoted to Sergeant and was pinned by his other son Colin on Friday.   

Lieutenant Derek Cook joined the Springfield Police Department in 1992.  The High School of Commerce graduate received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Curry College in Criminal Justice.  Cook was promoted to Sergeant in 2019 and in 2020 become the Sergeant in charge of the C3 Mason Square Unit.  Cook received a Commendation for “Behind the Walls” a program that was utilized in the Springfield Public Schools with more than 2000 students taking part.  Cook thanks his family and friends who have supported him through this journey, including his late mother Veronica who remains here in spirit.  Cook was pinned by his life partner Zoe. 

Sergeant Michael Placanico is a United States Army Veteran who served in the war in Afghanistan.  The Springfield native became a police officer in 2016.  He received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UMass-Amherst and Westfield State respectively.  76 Springfield Police Officers passed the most recent Civil Service Sergeant’s exam and Placanico topped the list.  He was pinned by his father Peter.    

Sergeant Matthew Simon has been a Springfield Police Officer for five years.  The Springfield native was a Valedictorian at Westfield State University when he graduated with a dual major in Criminal Justice and Political Science.   Simon in 2020 received Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Westfield State and is currently pursuing a PhD in Criminal Justice.  The nationally certified Emergency Medical Technician was pinned by his wife Stephanie.  They are expecting their first child in March. 

Sergeant James Trubia began his career in the Springfield Police Department as a Cadet in 2014 before becoming a sworn officer in 2016.  The Springfield resident has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Westfield State University in criminal justice.  Most recently assigned to the Metro Unit, Trubia received a Commendation for Outstanding Performance of Duty for assisting in clearing residents out of a burning building in 2019.  He was pinned by his mother Jo-Anne. 

Sergeant Michael Rodriguez, a Connecticut native, arrived in Springfield where he now resides to study at American International College.  Rodriguez received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at AIC before becoming a Springfield Police Officer in 2015.  He received a Commendation for Outstanding Performance of Duty for his role in stopping an active home invasion in June 2019.  Rodriguez thanks his family for their undying support throughout the promotional process.  He was pinned by Springfield Police Officer Angel Perez. 

The Supervisors will begin their new assignments Sunday March 6^th being assigned to Squad A and Squad C of the uniform division.