By Tiffany Williams –
After 547 days of serving in an interim capacity, Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista has officially appointed Deputy Chief Paul B. Saucier as the new Police Chief of the Worcester Police Department, effective Saturday. The announcement was made on Friday, signaling a new chapter for the Worcester Police Department.
Chief Saucier, a lifelong Worcester resident who grew up in a three-decker house on Providence Street, began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the Worcester Police Department in 1994. He graduated at the top of his class from the Worcester Police Academy, showcasing his dedication and skill early on. However, his roots in law enforcement trace back to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina, where he first honed his abilities.
His motivation to join the police force stemmed from a childhood marked by exposure to violence and the advice of his mother, who cautioned him to stay away from the windows during nighttime gunfire. These experiences forged his resolve to protect and serve his community. When asked what he would tell aspiring police officers during a recent interview, Chief Saucier emphasized the fulfilling nature of the profession: “It’s a great, great career. We’re actually helping people. It’s not all you see on television, cops and robbers. You’re taking this job to truly serve and protect. That’s what you do. When you go home every night, you can say you made a difference.”
Over his impressive 30-year career with the Worcester Police Department, Chief Saucier has consistently exemplified what it means to make a difference. Before stepping into the interim chief role, he served diligently as Deputy Chief for nearly eight years. During his tenure, he held various leadership positions, including Captain, where he was the commander of the Operations Division, the S.W.A.T. Team, and the Bureau of Investigative Services. His oversight included critical units such as the Detective Bureau, Crime Scene Unit, Latent Print Unit, Alcohol Unit, Gang Unit, and the Vice Squad. Furthermore, he has been actively involved in community initiatives, serving on the Worcester Community Connections Steering Committee and the Anti-Defamation League’s Law Enforcement Committee.
Academically, Chief Saucier holds a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University. He is a graduate of several elite training programs, including the FBI National Academy (Session #235) and the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Unit Commander Academy (Session #54), both held in Quantico, VA. His educational pursuits also include executive training at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the Executive Seminar Program, and the Massachusetts Police Leadership Institute.
In addition to his formal education, Chief Saucier has enhanced his skills through specialized training with the National Tactical Officers Association, focusing on S.W.A.T. Supervision and Command Decision Making.
Chief Saucier is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the FBI National Academy Associates, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum, and both the Massachusetts Police Association and the Central Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. He is also affiliated with the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs Association.
While Chief Saucier’s promotion to Police Chief will officially take effect on Saturday, a ceremony to commemorate his new role is scheduled for Friday, March 14, at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, where he will be officially sworn in, marking a significant milestone not only in his career but also for the Worcester community he has pledged to serve.