Springfield Police Dept. Promotes Three Alumni: Sgts Placanico M’21, Simon ’20 & Trubia ’14

Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood ’92 and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno ’93 announced the promotions of three alumni Sergeants on March 4th at a pinning ceremony held at Springfield City Hall. Sergeant Michael Placanico M’21, Sergeant Matthew Simon ’20, and Sergeant James Trubia ’14 were among the officers promoted.  

Sergeant Michael Placanico is a United States Army Veteran who served in the war in Afghanistan. The Springfield native became a police officer in 2016.  He received both a bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice from UMass-Amherst and Westfield State respectively. 76 Springfield Police Officers passed the most recent Civil Service Sergeant’s exam and Placanico topped the list. He was pinned by his father Peter. 

Sergeant Matthew Simon has been a Springfield Police Officer for five years. The Springfield native was a Valedictorian at Westfield State University when he graduated with a dual major in criminal justice and political science. Simon in 2020 received a master's degree in public administration from Westfield State and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. The nationally certified Emergency Medical Technician was pinned by his wife Stephanie. They are expecting their first child in March. 

Sergeant James Trubia began his career in the Springfield Police Department as a Cadet in 2014 before becoming a sworn officer in 2016. The Springfield resident has a bachelor's and master's degree from Westfield State University in criminal justice.  Most recently assigned to the Metro Unit, Trubia received a Commendation for Outstanding Performance of Duty for assisting in clearing residents out of a burning building in 2019. He was pinned by his mother Jo-Anne. 

Thanks to the Springfield Police Department, the original source for this article.