Chief Fernando Spagnolo of the Waterbury Police Department has been appointed as the chairman of a newly established council by the National Police Activities/Athletic League (PAL). The announcement of his selection was made on Monday, highlighting Spagnolo’s recent visit to Washington D.C., where he assumed his role as the founding chairman of the PAL’s Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Council.
Spagnolo, recognized for his commitment to positively impacting the lives of young individuals, is the only official from Connecticut to be chosen for this council. Other members include the police chiefs of Washington D.C. and Santa Barbara, the Police Commissioner of Philadelphia, and the Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The council is designed to guide National PAL as it evolves and expands its resources to support local chapters. Kenneth Ragland, president of the organization’s corporate board of directors, emphasized the vital role of the council in this growth. Ragland, who launched a PAL chapter in Henrico County, Virginia, and is a retired police sergeant, underscored the significance of this initiative.
In his remarks, Spagnolo expressed his honor at being named chairman and highlighted the opportunity to collaborate with fellow chiefs and sheriffs nationwide. He emphasized the importance of sharing successful models for building relationships with youth and implementing supportive programs, aiming to extend these lessons globally through National PAL.
The creation of the Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Council aligns with a broader effort to rejuvenate and redirect the national organization, which has been supporting local chapters since the 1940s. Currently, there are more than 300 PAL chapters nationwide.
According to PAL officials, the role of police officers in mentoring and supporting youth within these programs is as crucial as the sports and activities offered. The goal is to guide young individuals toward a successful future, emphasizing the life lessons learned through PAL chapters.