Sterling Police Officer Steve Fugere was promoted and sworn in as Sergeant Fugere on August 23. Fugere, who attended police academy in Boylston in 2004, has been with the SPD for 12 years. Fugere attended St. Peter-Marian High School in Worcester before receiving his bachelor and master degrees from Curry College in Milton. He grew up in Berlin and now lives in Hudson.
“I really enjoy the small town aspect of working in Sterling,” he says. “I come from a small town and feel at home in this community.”
Fugere began the promotional process by submitting a formal application to Sterling Police Chief Gary Chamberland with the intent to be considered for the position. The next step was to study for and take an extensive written exam on state and federal laws, department policies and procedures, rules and regulations, and effective police supervision styles.
After Fugere successfully completed the exam, he went before an oral board panel that consisted of three supervisors from outside departments, followed by a final interview with Chief Chamberland, who then recommended Fugere for the promotion.
“When you become a police officer you always strive to move up in the ranks of your department,” says Fugere. “It takes a lot of work to get to the point where you are even considered for promotion. A lot of work goes into the entire process, so it’s a big relief when the decision is made.”
The promotion and new position bring more responsibility to Fugere, who has been moved to and put in charge of the overnight 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at the SPD.
“Based on my background within the department, I could see being involved in the training side of the department,” Fugere says.
Fugere says the most challenging aspect of being a police officer is that you often see people in a state of distress, which is especially stressful when it involves children or the elderly. Long work hours and missed holidays and family time are also a challenging part of the career.
In his free time, Fugere likes to stay active and enjoys golf, kayaking in rivers, lakes and oceans, running and participating in charity races, and is a sports fan. He played hockey up until he suffered a major injury that kept him out of work for four months.
Fugere and his wife volunteer several times a year at dog adoption events that help over 300 dogs find new homes at each event. “We own two rescue dogs ourselves and are passionate about the cause,” he says.
Fugere says the next few months will be all about getting settled into his new role in the department.
“It’s the first step into management and with it comes a lot more responsibility,” he says. “I feel my role will grow within the department as I get acclimated to the new job. I hope to bring some new ideas to the job and do what it takes to help the department continue to grow.”