Holyoke Community College appoints first Latina Chief of Police

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - History was made on Monday at Holyoke Community College (HCC) as the school named a new Chief of Police. 

The new Chief of Police at Holyoke Community College is Jacqueline Robles, a familiar name for staff and students at HCC. Robles has been serving with the HCC Police Department for the last 22 years, working her way up the ranks.

With encouragement and support she gained, she has officially said the oath and been pinned as the new chief. Chief Robles is making history, as she is the first Latina police chief at HCC, representing her culture from Puerto Rico. She had the honor of being pinned by her son and her chief badge placed on her uniform by her brother.

"My goal is not only to protect and guide, but to empower," Chief Robles said. "I believe true leadership begins with service and that through service, we foster unity, trust, and a shared strength."

As a surprise, committee members from the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade were also in attendance, announcing Chief Robles as the Civil Service Ambassador of this year's Puerto Rican Parade.

Chief Robles also said that as a proud Puerto Rican Latina, she wants all young women and men in the Latino culture to know that with faith, hard work and dedication, anything is possible.