Last month, Holyoke Police Chief Jim Neiswanger announced his intention to retire on July 20th. After that announcement, Mayor Alex Morse decided he would choose an internal candidate as the next chief. “Because of Chief Neiswanger’s leadership, the Holyoke Police Department is stronger than at any time in recent memory – both internally, and in its relationship to the wider community. Given this, I believe it is time to look within the department for our city’s next police chief,” said Mayor Morse. All four Captains were invited to apply for the position and interviews were held last week.

At a press conference held at City Hall on Tuesday, Mayor Morse announced he is appointing Captain Manuel Febo to be Holyoke’s next Chief of Police.

“I would like to thank the Mayor for this great opportunity to serve as the Chief. It’s an absolute honor to lead the Holyoke Police Department. Working under Chief Neiswanger for last seven years has shown me that you can balance your responsibilities to the citizens, city officials and the men and women of the police department. The real work in any police department is done by the men and women who respond to the emergency calls for service every day, As Chief of Police I will do my best to make sure the officers of the Holyoke Police Department have the resources, training, and tools necessary to continue the great job they do each and every day,” said Captain Febo.

Captain Febo, affectionately known as “Manny,” is a twenty-three year veteran of the Holyoke Police Department. He grew up in Downtown Holyoke in the Churchill neighborhood. He attended the Holyoke Public Schools and is a graduate of Holyoke High School’s class of 1988. Throughout his tenure he served in the patrol division, bike patrol and as a school resource officer. He has over 12 years of supervisory experience as a Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant Shift Commander and Captain of Budget and Grants. He currently serves as the Field Operations Commander, in charge of uniform patrol along with all major events in the city including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade/Road Race, the Hispanic Festival, Celebrate Holyoke and the Fireworks.

“I fully support the Mayor’s appointment. I know that Captain Febo will continue on with our community policing initiatives. He is an excellent choice and will do a fine job leading the men and women of the Holyoke Police Department,” said outgoing Police Chief Jim Neiswanger.

“While Manny’s experience in the department and his various assignments are impressive in their own right, it is who he is as a person that makes him the right person for the job. Manny is a stand up guy. He knows that policing is more than locking people up. He recognizes the power of positive personal interactions between officers and the public. He values people and their unique circumstances and realizes that the reward of being an officer isn’t making an arrest, but preventing an arrest,” said Mayor Morse at the announcement.

“Capt. Febo has the unique opportunity to act as a role model for all kids growing up in Holyoke. This is a great example of how anyone can overcome many of the challenges that people in Holyoke face by setting goals, staying positive and believing that you too can make an impact on the community,” Mayor Morse added.

Captain Febo will be sworn in as Chief upon the retirement of the current Chief on July 20, 2018.