STONEHAM — Chief James O’Connor and the Stoneham Police Department are pleased to report that two officers were sworn in as sergeants and three new police officers were sworn in to the police force last week.
Sgt. Zachary Newell and Sgt. Sheryl Rotondi were both sworn in to their new ranks by Town Clerk Maria Sagarino in a ceremony at Stoneham Town Hall, and Officer Michael Juliano, Officer Antonio Ventresca and Officer Michael Cassola were also sworn in as patrol officers.
Prior to her promotion, Sgt. Rotondi was the most senior patrol officer on the department with 28 years of experience. She has spearheaded initiatives with the department’s Crisis Intervention Team and used her experience to be a leader for younger members of the department. Sgt. Rotondi was recognized earlier this year with an award from the Metro Boston Training and Technical Assistance Center for her work with the Stoneham Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team.
Sgt. Newell was a strong leader as a patrol officer and was recognized by his peers as the Stoneham Police Officer of the Year in 2022. He has helped ensure that candidates who become patrol officers are physically fit enough to meet the Municipal Police Training Committee’s standards, and is also an active member of the Crisis Intervention Team. Sgt. Newell also teaches courses at the Merrimack College Police Academy, imparting his knowledge to cadets in the process of becoming police officers.
Officer Juliano is a lateral transfer from the Essex Police Department, and Officer Cassola is a lateral transfer from the Westford Police Department. Officer Ventresca graduated from the Municipal Police Training Committee’s Lynnfield Police Academy.
“I want to welcome these three new officers to our department, and to congratulate sergeants Rotondi and Newell on their well-deserved promotions,” said Chief O’Connor. “We have a strong team here at the Stoneham Police Department, and these promotions and the addition of three new officers will serve to strengthen us.”