Deputy Chief Steve Sargent Named New Worcester Police Chief

Friday, May 06, 2016

GoLocalWorcester News Team

New Police Chief Steve Sargent PHOTO: Worcester Police Facebook

Deputy Chief Steve Sargent has been named as the new Worcester Police Chief by City Manager Edward Augustus.

This announcement comes just two days after Chief Gary Gemme announced his retirement from the force after 33 years.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected by City Manager Edward Augustus to be the next Chief of Police. As a lifelong resident of the City of Worcester and being a second generation police officer, I am excited and proud to accept this position. For the past 30 years, it has been a privilege to serve the city and be a member of what I consider to be the finest police force in the country.

I am grateful to have served nine years as a Deputy Chief under the leadership of Chief Gary J. Gemme, who has been a friend and mentor.

I look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead," said Sargent in a statement.

Deputy Chief Steve Sargent

Sargent was one of Gemme's top deputies and has been a member of the Worcester Police for 30 years.

"Steve knows this city and its people. For 30 years, he has been a well-respected member of the WPD, serving in every rank and in a multitude of roles, including Patrol, Detective Bureau, Gang Unit and Vice. For the past nine years, Deputy Chief Sargent has been in charge of the Operations Division, overseeing day-to-day operations and the largest division in the Worcester Police Department. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a lifelong resident of Worcester," said Augustus in a statement.

Sargent currently oversees the department's foot patrols as well as the department's interactions with the City's neighborhood watch groups.

"He impressed me with his passion for police work, love for his city and understanding of the challenges facing police in the 21st century. He is also committed to ensuring the Worcester Police Department is transparent and accountable to the community, another area that is deeply important to me," Augustus said.

Augustus added, "I was also struck by his commitment to the model of community policing, continuing the work of his predecessor, Chief Gary Gemme. While in the Gang Unit, he organized a number of community outreach programs, starting youth leagues in basketball, baseball and boxing, and forming a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester that continues to provide positive programs and opportunities for hard-to-reach youth to this day."

Sargent's swearing-in ceremony will take place on March 12 at 4:30 p.m. in City Hall.