Alexander Pirozhkov ’13 Appointed Acting Police Chief, Northfield

Following the recent announcement of outgoing Chief Robert Leighton’s retirement, Sgt. Alexander Pirozhkov was appointed acting police chief in Northfield, Mass during a June 15 Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard voted to create a Police Chief Screening Committee to review candidates for the permanent replacement of Chief Leighton. Pirozhkov is interested in applying to remain in the police chief position. “I want to stay local,” Pirozhkov said of his interest in the position. “Northfield gave me an opportunity, and as other opportunities came along, I stayed here and turned down other jobs.”

Pirozhkov has served the Northfield Police Department since 2017 and was promoted to sergeant nearly three years ago. He graduated from the academy second in his class. Prior to joining the Northfield Police Department, Pirozhkov was a teacher at the Amherst Pelham Regional School District. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University in 2013. He has also applied to take a 40-hour course to become a certified sexual assault investigator, a certification only held by outgoing Chief Leighton.

Selectboard member Bernard “Bernie” Boudreau said he has received multiple phone calls from residents voicing their support for Pirozhkov’s “demeanor” and “professionalism” in interacting with residents. Pirozhkov is also fluent in English and Russian and proficient in Spanish.