Chicopee City Clerk Keith Rattell (right) swears in Deputy Police Chief Eric Watson (right) as the acting police chief of the Chicopee Police Department.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE — Deputy Police Chief Eric Watson was sworn in as acting police chief of the Chicopee Police Department during a ceremony on Jan. 14. The appointment comes after former Police Chief Patrick Major retired earlier this month.
Major dedicated more than 30 years of service to the city of Chicopee. He advanced through the ranks and was appointed police chief in 2022 before officially announcing his retirement last month.
Watson will serve as acting police chief while the city initiates its search for a permanent chief. He brings 27 years of service to the Chicopee Police Department, beginning his career as a police officer in 1999 before he was promoted to deputy police chief in 2023.
In his new role, Watson will continue to lead the department with integrity, honor, and dedication to public service, according to the city.
Watson talked about his journey in the Chicopee Police Department and what he learned from Major about leadership.
“I’m honored and humbled by the kind words today about how public safety isn’t about one role or one position, it’s about working together, and over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work together with Chief Major, and I’ve gained a real appreciation for the way that he led the department,” he said.
Watson has completed numerous advanced training programs to support his professional development. Most recently, he participated in executive leadership training through the Police Executive Research Forum and the Policing Leadership Academy.
He also founded the Real Time Crime Information Center, a critical operational resource designed to support officers and investigators during serious incidents and complex investigations. The RTIC integrates multiple lawful data sources into a centralized system, enabling trained personnel to support public safety decisions quickly, accurately and responsibly, according to the city.
Watson said he plans to support members of the Chicopee Police Department and keep its operations ”steady and consistent.”
Mayor John Vieau expressed his confidence in Watson while the city looks for the next chief of the Police Department.
“I have full confidence in Deputy Chief Watson as he assumes the role of interim police chief,” Vieau stated. “His experience and leadership will ensure continuity and stability within the department during this transition.”
The city said it is committed to conducting a thorough and equitable search for its next permanent police chief, ensuring transparency and continuity of leadership throughout the process.
Vieau stated that Watson was highly recommended by Major and feels more than comfortable having him serve as active chief for as long as the search and hiring process may take.
