HOLYOKE – The Search Committee tasked with evaluating candidates for the position of police chief and then forwarding their recommendations to the Mayor will hold a public listening session at Holyoke Media on Tuesday, August 27, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Police Chief David Pratt announced his retirement on May 3. After 31 years of service, Chief Pratt will step down July 31. Holyoke Police Captain Isaias Cruz will serve as interim chief until a permanent chief is named.
The Search Committee recently engaged the services of Public Safety Consultants LLC to assist the team. Public Safety Consultants provides a range of specialized services, including personnel management, to municipal fire and police departments in Massachusetts. One of the firm’s principals, Russ Stevens, will participate in the listening session. He has 37 years of municipal and state law enforcement experience, retiring as Chief of Staff to the Connecticut State Police Colonel. Stevens holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s in Communication. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy and is currently the President of the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission.
Appointed to the Search Committee by Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia are Kelly Curran, the City’s Personnel Director, Ward 1 City Councilor Jenny Rivera (chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee), Holyoke Police Sargent Joseph Zurheide, Narcotics Intervention Officer Detective Dorothy Beben, Community Police Officer Josh Colon and citizen participants — all members of the Police Relations Committee — Axel Fontanez, retired Holyoke Police Captain Alan Fletcher, Quilana Rivera, Colleen Chesmore, Rosanna Lopez, and Jennifer Keitt.
Holyoke’s Personnel Office is conducting a community survey that asks residents what qualities they would like to see in the next Chief of Police. The survey can be accessed online at the City’s website: Holyoke.org. The survey — in English and Spanish — is on the Home Page under “News.” Paper copies of the survey are available at the City Clerk’s Office and the Personnel Office. Surveys should be completed by Friday, August 23.
The police chief’s job description can be found online at https://www.holyoke.org/personnel-employment-opportunities/.