STCC names senior director of public safety/chief of police
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – After an extensive search, Springfield Technical Community College has hired Jose “Joe” Rivera as its new senior director of public safety/chief of police.
Rivera, who started May 7, brings a range of law enforcement experience. For the past 24 years, he has worked in municipal and higher education policing. Most recently, he served as chief of police at Holyoke Community College. He previously worked at STCC as the college’s assistant director of public safety/lieutenant.
Police Chief Joe Rivera
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve STCC again,” Rivera said. “In my role as chief of police, I expect to lead the STCC police with professionalism and commitment to service. Our goal will be to provide for a safe and secure environment for all at STCC.”
Rivera began his career with the Amherst Police Department. He moved on to other positions, including ones at Massasoit Community College Police Department and UMass Dartmouth, where he was a sergeant and lieutenant, respectively.
“Chief Rivera’s rich experience has provided him with a strong understanding of police operations and command,” said STCC Vice President of Administration/CFO Joseph DaSilva. “Chief Rivera is committed to developing positive working relationships with college departments, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and continuing to enhance positive relationships with our surrounding community as well as with students, staff and faculty.”
Rivera’s certifications and training include firearms instructor, sexual assault investigation, emergency planning, interview and interrogation and Clery Act compliance, which requires colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information.
Rivera holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Curry College in Milton.
Born in California, Rivera and his family relocated to Salem, Mass., when he was 5 years old. He graduated from Salem High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Curry College in Milton.
Rivera and his wife, Sarah, live in Southwick with their two daughters.
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 7,700 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@S_T_C_C).
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu