Chicopee Police Chief Patrick Major Retires After 34 Years of Service

After more than three decades protecting and serving the City of Chicopee, Police Chief Patrick J. Major officially retired on January 5, 2026. His departure marks the end of a distinguished career that began in 1992 and spanned multiple ranks, technological transformations, and community initiatives.

Major's retirement closes a chapter defined by steady leadership, military discipline, and a commitment to modernizing the department while strengthening its bond with the community.

From Reserve Officer to Chief

Major's law enforcement journey began modestly in 1992 when he joined the Chicopee Police Department as a reserve officer. Five years later, in 1997, he was sworn in as a full-time officer, beginning a steady climb through the department's ranks.

His promotions reflected both his dedication and the trust his colleagues placed in him. He became sergeant in 2003, lieutenant in 2011, and captain in 2021. In May 2022, he was appointed chief, taking the helm of a department facing staffing challenges and the need for technological modernization.

Before his policing career, Major served 20 years in the United States Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard. He joined the Air Force after high school, serving four years on active duty before transitioning to the Massachusetts National Guard. For seven years, he worked as an avionics technician at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield. This military background shaped his approach to leadership, instilling discipline and a focus on teamwork that colleagues say defined his tenure.

Modernizing the Department

As chief, Major prioritized bringing the department into the modern era of policing. He oversaw the implementation of new technologies designed to improve transparency, accountability, and investigative capabilities.

Body cameras and cruiser cameras became standard equipment under his leadership, providing documentation of police interactions and serving as training tools. The department also launched a drone program and established a Real Time Information Center to enhance operational efficiency.

Major viewed these technological advances as essential to contemporary law enforcement. They strengthened investigations, provided evidence for training purposes, and demonstrated the department's commitment to accountability.

Addressing Staffing Challenges

When Major became chief, the department struggled with recruitment and retention. Officers were leaving for positions in other departments, creating instability and straining resources.

Working with city officials, Major focused on improving workplace conditions and compensation to make Chicopee competitive with neighboring departments. His efforts helped stabilize staffing levels and boost morale among officers who had weathered years of uncertainty.

The improvements allowed the department to retain experienced officers and attract new recruits, addressing what Major identified as his primary goal when taking the position.

 

Building Community Trust

Community engagement remained central to Major's vision for the department. He believed effective policing required mutual trust and regular interaction between officers and residents.

Under his leadership, Chicopee's National Night Out events brought officers and community members together for informal gatherings that built relationships beyond emergency calls. The department also participated in various community programs designed to make officers more accessible and approachable.

Major emphasized that community policing is reciprocal. When residents trust their police department, they're more willing to share information, support public safety initiatives, and work collaboratively to address neighborhood concerns.

Recognition and Praise

Mayor John L. Vieau praised Major's service in announcing his retirement, calling him more than an employee but a friend. The mayor highlighted Major's calm leadership, commitment to the department, and success in improving morale and public confidence.

Colleagues described Major as professional, approachable, and dedicated to both his officers and the community. His leadership style emphasized unity and communication, values he carried from his military service into his policing career.

A Career Worth Celebrating

Reflecting on his 34 years in law enforcement, Major expressed no regrets. Even on difficult days, he said, he wouldn't have chosen a different path. His final radio call included a message of gratitude to his officers, a fitting conclusion for a chief who prioritized team cohesion.

Major's career spanned significant changes in policing, from the early days of community policing initiatives to the digital age of body cameras and real-time information systems. He navigated these transitions while maintaining focus on the fundamental mission: serving and protecting the people of Chicopee.

What's Next

Deputy Chief Eric Watson has stepped in as acting chief while the city conducts a search for Major's permanent successor. The transition comes at a time when the department is more stable and better equipped than when Major took command.

At 57, Major is ready for a new chapter. He plans to spend more time with his wife, Theresa, and their three grandsons, ages 12, 6, and 2. The couple eventually plans to relocate to Florida, where Major looks forward to enjoying retirement after decades of public service.

His departure leaves the Chicopee Police Department stronger and more connected to the community it serves. The technological infrastructure, improved staffing, and community relationships he helped build will continue benefiting the city long after his retirement.

For Major, the career that began as a reserve officer more than three decades ago concludes with the satisfaction of knowing he made a lasting difference in his community.

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