More supervisors have been added to the ranks of the troubled police department in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Five patrol officers with a combined 115 years of police experience were promoted to sergeant at a ceremony Wednesday.
Acting Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood told the new sergeants to have the courage to hold accountable the officers they will supervise.
"We've learned some tough lessons and those lessons are we have to hold people accountable, and you can do it in such a way that you gain their respect and keep the morale up at the same time," said Clapprood.
The police department’s reputation has been battered by a series of officer misconduct incidents.
The department is being investigated by the U.S. Justice Dept.
A state grand jury last month indicted 14 current and former Springfield cops for participating in or covering up an off-duty assault.
A Springfield police lieutenant is being praised for bravery after he ran into a burning apartment building and led a woman and two children to safety.
Lt Brian Beliveau was driving on Belmont Ave. Tuesday night when he saw smoke and fire. After alerting his dispatcher, he heard shouting that children were trapped on the third floor.
"So, I just ran into the buildng," said Beliveau matter of factly as he recounted for reporters what had happend. " I didn't think about it. I knew it was what I had to do. And, I knew help would be coming because I had gotten it out ( on the police radio.)"
The fire spread to a second tenement building. About 40 people were left temporarily homeless.
Beliveau’s heroics were recognized by Springfield’s mayor and acting police commissioner during the promotion ceremony Wednesday for the new police sergeants.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said, " It is a good day for the SPD."
