07/17/2026
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Springfield Police Department Promotes Two Captains & Two Lieutenants
Springfield, Mass. --- On Friday July 17th, on behalf of the Springfield Police Department, Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers along with Mayor Domenic J. Sarno held a promotional pinning ceremony for the Department’s two newest Captains and two newest Lieutenants inside Springfield City Hall.
Springfield Police Superintendent Akers promoted Captain Eleni Barbieri, Captain Derek Cook, Lieutenant Jacob Strange and Lieutenant Jason Sleeper on June 28th.
Superintendent Akers stated, “I’d like to congratulate these four sworn officers for continuing to rise in the Springfield Police Department Supervisory ranks. Getting to this point in your career is not easy and should not be taken for granted. Each of these leaders have overcome challenges and obstacles whether it be professionally or personally and continue to serve the citizens of Springfield and their fellow officers with dignity, respect and compassion. I want to thank all of you for your commitment to our department and your families for the support they provide you.”
Mayor Sarno states, “I am proud to congratulate our brave and dedicated Springfield Police Officers who are being promoted to Sergeant. Thank you to each of you and your families for continuing to step up to serve and protect all of our residents and business community with courage, professionalism, honor and integrity. We are grateful for your service and continued brave and dedicated efforts in keeping our Springfield community safe. Wishing you continued good health and God speed.”
Captain Eleni Barbieri
Captain Eleni Barbieri began her public service career in 2003 as a Victim Witness Advocate with the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. After serving with the Hampden Sheriff’s Department, she joined the Springfield Police Department in 2007 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2017 and Lieutenant in 2023.
A graduate of The MacDuffie School in Springfield, Captain Barbieri holds a master’s degrees in legal studies and Online Education and Curriculum Development. She is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), demonstrating her commitment to public safety and community response.
While serving in a variety of roles, Captain Barbieri has spent approximately 15 years of her career within the Springfield Police Department’s Training Division, where she continues to play an instrumental role in developing, coordinating and delivering recruit and in-service training programs. During her tenure, she has helped prepare hundreds of officers to serve in Springfield and neighboring communities during 14 recruit classes.
Barbieri is a proud recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award and serves nationally as an instructor for FBI-LEEDA. She also serves as an Axon Master TASER instructor, MPTC instructor, teaching Instructor Development and Use of Force programs throughout the Commonwealth. Captain Barbieri is also an adjunct professor at Springfield College teaching criminal justice and leadership courses.
Throughout her career, Captain Barbieri has been passionate about empowering women to lead with confidence, courage and authenticity. She is a member of the Springfield Police Honor Guard and was part of the second all-female honor guard at Fenway Park in 2024.
Captain Barbieri remains committed to serving the citizens of Springfield, strengthening the Springfield Police Department, advancing the profession and leaving a legacy of leadership that empowers others to reach their fullest potential. While gratified by her professional accomplishments, she considers her greatest achievement to be her family whose love and support have been the foundation of her success.
Captain Barbieri was pinned by her husband, retired Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri.
Captain Derek Cook
Captain Derek Cook joined the Springfield Police Department in 1992. After spending 27 years in the Uniform Division, Cook was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2019 and Lieutenant in 2022. As a Supervisor, Cook has been tasked to lead the C3 Mason Square Unit and Traffic Bureau and is currently assigned to the Uniform Division as the Captain of Squad “A”. He is also a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team.
The High School of Commerce graduate received a bachelor’s and master’s Degree from Curry College in Criminal Justice.
Captain Cook has received multiple departmental Commendations including for “Behind the Walls” a program that was utilized in the Springfield Public Schools with more than 2000 students taking part.
Captain Cook thanks his family and friends who have kept him grounded and provided support throughout his career. He is thankful and humbled to be in this position.
Captain Cook was pinned by his wife.
Lieutenant Jacob Strange
Lieutenant Jacob Strange began his law enforcement career in 2008 with the Belchertown Police Department, before transferring to the Springfield Police Department in 2015. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2020. Before beginning his career, Strange served as a Police Cadet at UMass Amherst gaining valuable early experience that helped shape his career.
A dedicated officer, trainer and leader, Strange has prioritized education and professional development. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from American International College.
Strange has spent much of his Springfield Police career in the Academy, assigned as both a patrolman and supervisor. He is a certified MPTC instructor in numerous disciplines, a lead instructor in Use of Force and Defensive Tactics and an Axon Master Taser Instructor. He has assisted in the training of nine different Springfield Police Academy recruit classes guiding hundreds of officers.
Lieutenant Strange would like to thank his wife, Cheri, for her unwavering support and motivating him to keep pushing himself professionally and personally as well as his father, a retired Warden from the Connecticut Department of Correction for teaching him the true meaning of leadership and the importance of teaching everyone with respect. Outside of the department, Strange coaches and supports his sons in their sports.
Lieutenant Strange was pinned by his sons.
Lieutenant Jason Sleeper
Lieutenant Jason Sleeper has served the city of Springfield for more than 29 years as a Police Officer. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2023 where he served in the Uniform Division and Traffic Bureau, he is currently a Lieutenant in the Uniform Division.
Born and raised in Springfield, Sleeper is a 1992 graduate of Central High School. During his nearly three decades protecting our community Sleeper has been in the Uniform Division, Student Support Unit, and Traffic Bureau. Sleeper also served our country in the Army National Guard.
Lieutenant Sleeper was pinned by his daughter and grandson.
