Newton Adds 6 New Police Officers

NEWTON, MA — Six new officers officially joined the Newton Police Department on Monday afternoon during a swearing-in ceremony at police headquarters, bringing with them backgrounds that include military service, public safety work, higher education, and deep ties to the city they now serve.

Mayor Marc Laredo administered the oath of office before family members, department personnel, and city officials gathered in the community room at Newton Police Headquarters. The ceremony included remarks from Laredo and Police Chief Timothy Cohoon, as well as a badge-pinning ceremony performed by relatives and loved ones of the recruits.

"I was honored this week to swear in six new officers to the Newton Police Department," Laredo said.

The mayor noted that while each recruit arrives with a different life story, they share a commitment to public service and community engagement.

"Policing is demanding, challenging, and at times dangerous work," Laredo said. "I am grateful that these officers have chosen a career dedicated to protecting others and that they have chosen to serve here in Newton."

The department's newest officers are Anthony Calderone, Jamal Campbell, Ryan Healy, Mario Sforza, Victhor Stecanella, and Manuel Tavares.

Multiple recruits come from military backgrounds. Campbell served four years in the United States Marine Corps before working as a jail officer with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department and later as an executive protection agent.

Healy, a Quincy native, graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with honors and currently serves in the Army National Guard as a military police officer.

Sforza spent 11 years in the United States Air Force, including a deployment supporting operations in Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates. After leaving active duty last year, he decided to continue his public service career in law enforcement.

Stecanella served as a cavalry scout in the United States Army and deployed overseas in support of Operation Inherent Resolve before transitioning into policing.

Others arrived through different paths. Calderone recently graduated from Wheaton College with a biology degree and said he was drawn toward a profession that would allow him to work more directly with people and make an impact in the community.

For Tavares, joining the department represents something of a homecoming. A Newton North High School graduate who attended Newton schools through the METCO program, he previously served as a Newton Police Cadet before working in public safety roles for both Newton North and the Boston Public Health Commission.

Family members played a central role throughout the ceremony, pinning badges on the new officers as they formally entered the department. Tavares was joined by his mother, brother and sisters, while Campbell was pinned by his wife of nearly 10 years. Sforza selected his stepfather, retired Massachusetts State Police Major Brian McHale, for the honor.
Laredo said the city is fortunate to have the six officers joining its ranks.

"I join Chief Tim Cohoon, the members of the Newton Police Department, and our entire community in welcoming Officers Anthony Calderone, Jamal Campbell, Ryan Healy, Mario Sforza, Victhor Stecanella, and Manuel Tavares to the City of Newton."

See Also:

New Restaurant Coming To Historic Newton Building

Missing Swimmer At Newton Lake A False Alarm

Newton Agrees To 3-year Contract With Police Association

Shoplifting Remains A Challenge For Newton Stores

Newton South High School Selects Interim Leader For The Next School Year