Chief Gary J. Gemme Announces His Retirement
The transition for a change in leadership at the Worcester Police Department which began nearly six months ago is complete and I am confident that the person selected as the next chief of police is well prepared to assume the responsibility. Therefore, it is my intention to retire from this position on May 13, 2016.
Over the past several months there have been numerous retirements in the department that created opportunities for promotions and the hiring of additional police officers. This type of turnover in the ranks is healthy, it allows for the continuing diversification of the department and career mobility for police officers.
The promotion of a new police chief continues this momentum and is a unique opportunity for the department to revisit and improve upon the department's crime reduction strategies and community policing philosophy. A change in leadership stimulates a renewed energy and leads to the implementation of new ideas. This is vital if the police department is going to be well positioned to meet the ever increasing public safety challenges.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the police chief for the City of Worcester. I am humbled to have led a police department of highly motivated, professional, and dedicated men and women. I am thankful for the support and commitment that I received from four exceptional deputy chiefs. The city and the police department are in the hands of highly competent and professional leadership.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked for two supportive and professional leaders, Mike O'Brien and Ed Augustus. I am truly fortunate for the weekly and sometimes daily guidance, frankness, and honesty of Kathleen Johnson, in her roles as Human Resources Director and Assistant City Manager.
Most importantly, I am greatly appreciative of the support of the community for without that, Worcester would not be the safe and livable city that it is.
Respectfully,
Gary J. Gemme
Chief of Police