West Springfield, MA: On June 28, 2024, the West Springfield Police Department will be under the leadership of a new Police Chief, as G. Paul Connor, III officially retires and Detective Captain Jay Gearing is sworn in as Chief of the Department. Chief Connor is retiring after four and a half years as Chief and twenty-eight years of service with the West Springfield Police Department.
Throughout Chief Connor’s distinguished career, his commitment to public safety and leadership have left an indelible mark on the West Springfield Police Department. “I have enjoyed working with Chief Connor over the past four years and believe that the Department has made great strides and advancements during that time,” commented Mayor Will Reichelt. “The past few years have been difficult for the law enforcement profession and I credit Chief Connor with leading the Department through these challenging times, while enhancing community relations and improving morale.”
Both Chief Connor and Captain Gearing were sworn into service with the West Springfield Police Department on the same day in 1996 and their careers have followed similar paths. Captain Gearing, a West Springfield native, has also been with the Department for twenty-eight years, having served as the Captain of the Detective Bureau for the past four years. Prior to that, Captain Gearing was a Sergeant in the Detective Bureau and previously spent time as a detective and also served in the community policing unit.
“I am thrilled that Captain Gearing expressed an interest in the Chief’s position and that he was unanimously recommended for selection to the position by the Public Safety Commission,” noted Mayor Reichelt. “With his proven leadership and dedication to public safety, I am confident that Captain Gearing will build upon the strong foundation laid by Chief Connor and continue to foster a culture of trust and accountability within our police force.”
A formal swearing-in ceremony for Captain Gearing will be held in the Justin Morgan Auditorium of the West Springfield Municipal Office Building on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., which will also be Chief Connor’s last day. For additional information about the swearing in ceremony, please contact Chief of Operations, Carly Camossi at [email protected].
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