The Springfield Technical Community College Campus Police Department held a special pinning ceremony on July 25 to celebrate promotions and welcome new members of the department. STCC Police Chief Jose “Joe” Rivera led the ceremony and offered heartfelt remarks and background on each of the five honorees.
“We are proud to celebrate the promotion of two outstanding officers and to recognize three who have joined our team over the past year,” Chief Rivera said. “This ceremony honors their achievements, their commitment to service, and the strength of our community.”
Promotions
Corporal Rivera was promoted from patrol officer to corporal/investigator. Over the past five years, she has built a reputation for professionalism, dedication, and community engagement at STCC. She earned her associate degree in Criminal Justice from Holyoke Community College and continues to pursue growth opportunities within the department. Assigned to the day shift, Corporal Rivera will now also serve as an investigator. “Crystal is passionate about making a lasting positive impact here at STCC,” Chief Rivera said.
Also promoted from patrol officer to corporal/investigator, Corporal Tardy brings more than six years of public safety experience. Since joining STCC in 2023, she has become known as a proactive and compassionate officer who builds strong relationships across campus. Chief Rivera praised her positive outlook and dedication to service. “She leads with honor, heart and humility,” he said. Corporal Tardy is assigned to the evening shift and will serve as both a supervisor and investigator
New Officers
Sergeant Mongeon joined STCC Campus Police just over a year ago after a 16-year career as the Western Mass Regional Police Academy Training Coordinator. He now supervises the midnight shift and serves as a department instructor. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his children, cooking, coaching high school wrestling and attending car shows. One of his prized possessions is a fully original 1979 Springfield Police cruiser, which he proudly displays at events.
An STCC alumnus, Officer Skala earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice in 2018 before completing his bachelor’s at Westfield State University in 2020. He joined STCC Police in August 2023 and graduated from the Holyoke Police Academy in March 2024. Officer Skala is the department’s Civil Rights Officer and is a member of the mountain bike unit. He is currently assigned to the evening shift.
Officer Willoughby brings a wealth of experience in public safety. He served as a public safety officer at Baystate Medical Center from 2017 to 2024 and graduated from the Reserve Police Academy in 2021. He later completed the MPTC Bridge Academy in 2023 and joined STCC Police in June 2024. Officer Willoughby, who is also a former special officer with the Springfield Police and part-time officer at American International College, is deeply committed to family and service. He is assigned to the evening shift.
Honoring Service
Chief Rivera closed the ceremony with a round of applause and words of appreciation for all five officers. The pinning ceremony is a long-standing tradition in law enforcement that symbolizes the start of a new chapter in an officer’s career, whether through promotion or joining a new department. At STCC, it’s also a moment to celebrate the community that supports and inspires the officers to serve with pride.
