By Dylan Azari & Laura Soukkavong
Worcester Police filled City Hall on Tuesday, December 9, as the city rolled out a major round of promotions—eleven members of the department moving up the ranks in a ceremony packed with families, officials, and plenty of applause.
Mayor Joseph M. Petty, City Councilor Kate Toomey, City Manager Eric D. Batista, and Police Chief Paul B. Saucier were on hand as each officer’s name was called. The biggest jump went to Matthew D’Andrea, now officially promoted to deputy chief, putting him among the department’s top brass.
Sean Murtha followed with a promotion to captain, stepping into a role that comes with significant command responsibility. The lieutenant list added another shake-up, with Ryan Maher and Brendan Tivnan receiving their new rank in person. Jeffrey Carlson, also promoted to lieutenant, was acknowledged despite being unable to attend.
Seven officers were elevated to sergeant, joining the frontline leadership that keeps the department running around the clock. Those promoted were Trevis Coleman, Rebecka Mailea, Casey Onuigbo, Sean O’Rourke, Michael Reilly, Neftali Batista, and Dana Randall.
City officials praised the group for their service and commitment as families snapped photos and officers accepted congratulations from colleagues. The ceremony wrapped with a sense of momentum—eleven promotions, fresh stripes, and a reshaped command structure heading into the new year.