Springfield College Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Gary Berte, center, was sworn in as a member of the Springfield Board of Police Commission by City Clerk Gladys Oyol on March 1, 2022. Berte is one of five city residents appointed to the board by Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
“As a Springfield native and resident, I am humbled and honored to offer service to my city as a member of the Springfield Board of Police Commission,” said Berte, who also served on the Springfield Community Police Hearing Board back in 2016.
Berte brings extensive first hand experience and knowledge of criminal justice and community relations to the commission. Prior to his time as a current faculty member at Springfield College, Berte served as a Springfield police officer from 1973 to 1986.
“Dr. Berte is renown in his expertise in the criminal justice field,” said Sarno. “He continues to add to a very diverse composition of distinguished residents that currently serve our city. Again, I want to thank the residents who have agreed to serve as members of the police commission. They are all very well respected, dedicated and accomplished citizens of our city.”
Joining Berte on the board are: Madeline Fernandez, director of the re-entry program for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department; Robert C. Jackson, business owner and community advocate; Norman Roldan, former Springfield School Committee member and community activist; and Albert Tranghese, retired human resources manager and former labor union representative.
Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood and City Solicitor Judge John Payne will work with Berte and the members of the police commission in providing them with the resources they need to review and conduct all disciplinary matters for the Springfield Police Department.
