Holyoke police chief cuts costs by $500K, seizes 78 guns in first year

HOLYOKE ― In his first year on the job, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan slashed overtime costs by 30%, seized 78 illegal guns and helped curb overdoses, the city's top cop announced this past week.

In a statement Tuesday, Keenan reflected on the accomplishments the department since his swearing in on June 7.

"From the very first day, my staff and I got to work to identify issues within our department, we engaged with our residents and business community to identify issues that mattered most to them, and took action," he said.

Keenan said the department cut overtime costs by more than 30% last year, saving the city nearly $500,000. He credited better scheduling and a switch from paper forms to a digital system that tracks pay in real time. That change, he said, makes it easier to manage staffing and keep spending under control.

A police search of a Holyoke home in August turned up a massive stash of drugs and high-capacity firearms, leading to the arrest of two men. (Holyoke Police Department photo)courtesy

Officers stayed busy in 2025, too, answering more than 60,000 calls — about 40% more than the year before, he said.

They also seized 78 illegal guns, more than double the previous year, and wrote over 2,300 traffic tickets, after residents asked for stricter enforcement, Keenan said.

The department also worked with recovery coaches and other groups to help people struggling with addiction. That effort, he said, helped cut overdoses by 18% from last year.

Improved training, ongoing education, and a fitness program also helped officers stay healthy and reduce their stress, he said.

Police also tackled issues like open-air drug dealing, focusing on parks so kids can play in them safely, he said.

With help from Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Keenan said the department cleaned and updated its headquarters, saving money and cutting its environmental impact.

The Holyoke Police Department. (Greta Jochem / The Republican, File)Greta Jochem / The Republican

Keenan said he look forward to building on this positive momentum in the New Year.

"We will continue utilize the best practices and procedures to provide our community the type of public safety services they deserve and can be proud of," he said.

"Success has been a team effort," Keenan added, expressing gratitude to Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and department staff.

Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .