A host of city officials and dignitaries participated in a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on Westfield’s new police station. They are (from left) Downes Construction’s President Thomas Romagnoli, an unnamed Downes Construction employee, City Council President John J. Beltrandi III, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Waterfield, Westfield Police Commissioners James Irwin, Peter Velis and Richard Sypek, Mayor Michael McCabe, Police Chief Jerome Pitoniak, Police Captains Steve Dickinson and Eric Hall, Westfield Chief Procurement Officer Tammy Teft, Councilors Dan Allie, Ralph Figy, Nicholas J. Morganelli Jr., and Bridget Matthews-Kane and former Westfield Police Chief Benjamin Surprise.
Reminder Publishing photo by Cliff Clark
WESTFIELD – The groundbreaking ceremony held Tuesday marking the start of construction of the city’s new police station was a “long time coming,” said Mayor Michael McCabe.
“Today’s groundbreaking has been a long time coming, perhaps even longer than some of you realize,” McCabe said at the facility’s construction site at 6 Union St.
When the current Washington Street station opened in 1972, there were issues with the building almost immediately.
“When they moved in, things didn’t work right away,” a former officer told Police Chief Jerome Pitoniak, who spoke during the ceremony.
He also said the Washington Street station was built with an indoor firing range, but every time officers used it, the building filled with smoke because there was no ventilation system.
In fact, on Tuesday, he said Capt. Eric Hall chased him down to let him know one of the security doors at the station wouldn’t latch.
“So, we don’t know what’s going on,” Pitoniak said.
McCabe, who retired from the department after serving 36 years, was well aware of the many issues at the current station, having been responsible for its maintenance between 2008 and 2021.
“The station lacked accessibility for people with disabilities. Facilities for female officers had been constructed from what was once a closet. The HVAC systems did not communicate with one another, and at times a literal river ran through its basement,” McCabe said, recognizing the efforts of former Police Chief John A. Camerota to find a solution.
“Those conditions confirmed by Chief Camerota, and so many others [that] understood the department needed a lasting solution to its facility and capacity challenges,” he said.
Westfield Police Commission Chair Richard Sypek said during the ceremony that after being named to the Police Commission seven years ago, former Chief Lawrence Valliere gave him a “grand tour” of the Washington Street station.
“Needless to say, it was, and still is, in bad shape. I saw water leaks, ceilings falling, overcrowding, small windowless offices and the list goes on and on,” Sypek said.
Pitoniak also alluded to McCabe on the lack of facilities for female officers.
“We just hired another three female officers … and I have one locker left for a female officer. So, we’re gonna have to work that out for a few months until we get into the new building,” he said.
In 2022, there was a renewed effort to build a new station, which culminated in the 2024 purchase of three parcels on Union and Columbia streets, including the former Ourl Lady of the Blessed Sacrament rectory and parking lot.
There was one snag. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield was asking $1 million for the properties, but because of state regulations, they could only offer $758,000.
“But three individuals stepped forward to bridge the gap between what the parish needed and what the city could provide,” McCabe said.
He said Father Daniel Pacholec, who served as the pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, contributed nearly $20,000 of his own money.
Jack Dill, whose parents grew up within sight of the site, donated $25,000, and local entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert Bacon donated $150,000 to get the city “across the finish line.”
McCabe also thanked the Westfield City Council for approving funding for the $45 million project. He particularly thanked Councilor James Adams.
“Jim has been involved in the planning process through all its fits and starts. Throughout his tenure on the City Council, he has been a constant advocate for the project and dedicated liaison to the Police Department,” McCabe said.
He said the city also owed a debt of gratitude to the members of the Westfield Police Commission, Sypek, former Superior Court Judge Peter Velis, and local businessman and philanthropist James Irwin.
McCabe also thanked the city’s Chief Procurement Officer Tammy Teft.
“Without her continued support [the city] would not have brought about this incredible accomplishment,” he said of Teft.
The station is expected to be completed in September 2027. McCabe acknowledged it was an “aggressive schedule.”
“We wish them a year of no delays,” Sypek said during his remarks. “I look forward to standing here next year in September to cut that ribbon and open the doors.”
