SPRINGFIELD WWW.THEREMINDER.COM
AUGUST 13, 2026 | FREE
Rivera sworn in as first Latino fire commissioner IN THIS
EDITION
By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
People get hands on to create mural of organization’s history Nearly 100 of Work Opportunity Center’s clients donned aprons and grabbed cups of paint to help create their mural.
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New school food supplier introduces itself to community Springfield Fire Commissioner Miguel “Mike” Rivera addresses the audience after being sworn in. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
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commissioner who understands that every decision ultimately affects the safety of our families, our neighborhoods, our businesses and our first responders. They deserve a leader who leads with integrity, fairness, humility and accountability. I believe Springfield is receiving that kind of leader today.” State Sen. Adam Gomez, who grew up across the street from Rivera, recalled him playing basketball in the park. He said, “I’d catch him out there when I was a young man ... There was times when he talked to me when I struggled in my journey. He always had a positive optimistic outlook, and I want to thank you for that.” Gomez hugged Rivera and took a moment to compose himself. “Brightwood is a segregated neighborhood from the rest of the city of Springfield,” Gomez said, explaining that it is cut off from other neighborhoods by Interstate 91 and railroad tracks. “I just want to say, Brightwood,
ECRWSS
member: you could always be getting sworn in as chief of police.” Speaking to Rivera’s character, retired Springfield Fire Lt. Kelly Jones said, “I‘ve always appreciated that Mike had his own way of looking at things. Even in difficult situations, he brought a positive perspective.” He said, “What impressed me most was this: whether we were responding to serious moments, honoring a fallen brother or sister or simply talking as coworkers, Mike was always the same person. He never carried himself as though he were above anyone else, and to me that speaks volumes about his character.” Jones said, “I understand what firefighters need in their commissioner. They need a leader they can trust, someone who listens before making decisions, someone who remains calm under pressure, someone who values the experience, ideas and opinions of the men and women who serve alongside him.” Jones continued, “From the perspective of the citizens of Springfield, they deserve a fire
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Council elected Tracye Whitfield to serve as the first Black woman president of the body. Sarno said Springfield’s Police and Fire departments are the most diverse in the state. “Our departments reflect our neighborhoods,” he said. “I’ve always picked individuals, no matter the creed, color or background... who are best suited to lead the department and lead our city,” Sarno said, adding that he saw the same qualities in Rivera that he had seen in retired Commissioner Bernard “BJ” Calvi. Akers said, “Being the first is a blessing, but it is also a challenge that few people truly understand. It means walking into rooms where no one looks like you. It means knowing that some people will judge you before they meet you. It means carrying the hopes of your community, your culture and your heritage every time you put on that uniform. And it means knowing your success isn’t just your own because it’s a doorway for others.” Akers joked, “When things get tough, and they will, always re-
Chartwells introduced itself to Springfield at the Chartwells/Home Grown Springfield Summer Splash Community Event.
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SPRINGFIELD — The steps of Symphony Hall were lined with American flags as firefighters, police and emergency responders milled around in their dress uniforms. Above them, an enormous Puerto Rican flag flew, held aloft by two Springfield Fire Department ladder trucks. Inside, small Puerto Rican flags were handed out to the rows of people who came to watch Miguel “Mike” Rivera be sworn in as Springfield’s first Latino fire commissioner. Rivera is a native of Springfield, who grew up in the city’s Brightwood neighborhood. He graduated from Putnam Vocational Technical Academy and went on to join the military. After returning to Springfield, he joined the Fire Department in 2009. Rivera served on the department’s rescue and bomb squads, and led the training division, before heading up District 2. Davine said Rivera’s focus was always on training and collaboration. As the deputy chief of operations, Rivera oversaw two of the city’s fire districts, the hazmat and marine divisions and special operations. Much was made of Rivera’s status as the first Latino commissioner. The Most Reverend Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield William Byrne delivered a blessing in Spanish and English. “It’s always important when you’re the first in anything that you point that out because it shows the inspiration and opportunity for others to follow in your footsteps,” Mayor Domenic Sarno said. He pointed out that his administration appointed the first Black police superintendent, Lawrence “Larry” Akers, and the first Latina city clerk, Gladys Oyola-Lopez. This year, the City
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