SOUTH HADLEY – The Select Board on Tuesday unanimously confirmed the appointment of Lt. Steven Parentela as police chief.
Town Administrator Michael J. Sullivan, who appointed Parentela last month, said he was among two dozen applicants from 11 states.
“His strengths and his knowledge of the South Hadley Police Department is what set him apart,” Sullivan said.
“I’m happy I made it this far,” said Parentela, 54, who for 33 years has served on the town’s police force.
Parentela has been serving as interim chief since July 1, after the retirement of former police chief David Labrie.
Parentela served as an intermittent and special officer beginning in 1983 and became a full-time South Hadley police officer in 1988. In March 2006, he was promoted to lieutenant, the highest rank other than chief.
“There’s a legacy that you are now a part of,” Select Board member Ira J. Brezinsky said, referring to former South Hadley police chiefs who came up through the ranks.
Parentela holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Curry College in Milton and he has been involved in regional and statewide initiatives on matters related to juvenile crime, drug interdiction, sexual assault and officer training, according to a press release. He has also served as a D.A.R.E. and bicycle safety officer in South Hadley.
“He leads by example,” said South Hadley Sgt. David Gagne. Parentela was one of his field training officers about 15 years ago.
“He wouldn’t tell you to do something he wouldn’t do himself,” Gagne added.
Ray Hebert, who has been a South Hadley police officer since 2012, said of the new chief, “He’s always looking out for everyone in the department.”
When asked about what the department needs to improve, Parentela said it could use more officers. “Staffing is definitely an issue,” he said. “We’re trying to do more with less.”
Parentela said a reserve officer program is a possibility for the department which could also allow it to conduct more community policing.
“Time is money for the police department,” he said.
Parentela is expected to start as chief Sept. 30 after negotiating a contract with town officials. Parentela will go through professional trainings to expand his understanding of management responsibilities, collective bargaining, customer service and other related areas.
“I just want everyone, at the end of the day, to be safe,” Parentela said. “Everything I’ve done for the Police Department is for the town of South Hadley.”
Staff writer Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.