The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
LEADERSHIP CHANGES
Oneida holds swearing- in ceremony for promotions, appointments within police department
“The department recognizes the importance of treating each person in a fair and impartial manner and to treat each person with respect.”
— Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Salerno
ONEIDA, N. Y. » Police Chief John Little was formally sworn into office at a ceremony after Tuesday’s common council meeting at the Kallet Theater on Nov. 17. Hewas joined by fellow officers also being appointed/ promoted within the Oneida City Police Department ( OCPD).
“This is a great night for the city and a great night for our community,” said Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Salerno, who appointed the officers to their roles. Mayor helen Acker gave her blessing.
Salerna gleamed over the police department’s mission to maintain order, promote community partnership, and deal with quality- of- life issues. Enforcing the law and preventing crime are ways the department creates a safe environment, he stated.
“The department recognizes the importance of treating each person in a fair and impartial manner and to treat each person with respect,” he continued.
Little has demonstrated throughout his career his ability to fulfill this mission, Salerna stated. Over the last month and a half, Salerna said he was able to watch Little perform on the fly as acting police chief, previously fromhis position of assistant police chief.
“He has done an outstanding job stepping up to the plate after having literally been thrusted into [ this] leadership position on amoment’s notice,” Salerna said.
“Having been able to work with John during this period is what ultimately solidified my decision to appoint him the next chief of police,” he remarked.
He commended Little’s professionalism, attention to detail, knowledge of the law, and leadership skills. He then went on to recite key roles in Little’s career.
Little first began with the OCPD in 2002, transferring from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. He was promoted to sergeant of investigations in 2008, and later lieutenant in 2014. He officially took the role of assistant chief in October 2020 to later become chief of police a month later.
“I really couldn’t have been in this position and survived [ these] last couple months if it weren’t for the mayor [ and] the commissioner, they’re been absolutely wonderful in their support,” Little said. He also gave thanks to the council and others who support the PD.
He continued, “I definitely couldn’t’ have been in this position without all of the people that comprise the Oneida City Police Department. They are fine people, and I’m proud to serve with them.”
Little recognized the importance of family support not only for the entire OCPD, but also for himself. “My wife and son are here, and I couldn’t have dealt with the stress without them building me up every night,” he said.
“I can’t even hug you,” City Clerk Sue Pulverenti joked after giving the oath of office to Little.
Those who were also promoted/ appointed to office include ( with new title included):
Assistant Police Chief Steven Lowell
Lt. Matt Colella
Lt. William Clark Sgt. Peter Cania
Sgt. Mike Burgess Police Officer Chris Matteson
Salerna said he had total faith in Little’s selection of these appointments/ promotions to the police force.