Holyoke Community College’s director of campus police and public safety has resigned

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke Community College (HCC) has announced the resignation of the Director of Campus Police and Public Safety, according to a letter from President George Timmons.

An email was sent out to staff on Tuesday afternoon to inform the college community that Jack Vanasse, Director of Public Safety at Greenfield Community College, will serve as interim director for HCC. According to President Timmons, Chief Vanasse will be on campus at least two days per week.

“We are grateful to the Campus Police and Public Safety staff who will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the College during this transition. I am committed to ensuring our students, faculty, staff and visitors can focus on learning, teaching and advancing HCC’s mission in a safe and welcoming environment.” President George Timmons, Ph.D.

Nearly an hour later, another email was sent to HCC staff on behalf of Acting Police Chief/Director of Public Safety John “Jack” Vanasse regarding a phone issue with the dispatch center during after-hours hours between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. HCC police staff can be reached directly through the dispatch center at 413-299-2974.

“Chief Brown resigned on May 20 and was replaced by Chief Vanasse of Greenfield Community College. Chief Vanasse will split his time equally between GCC and HCC,” Narayan Sampath, vice president of administration and finance, who leads HCC’s campus police, told 22News. “The email about the posting was sent on behalf of Chief Vanasse and reminds campus how to reach the Campus Security Department if needed.”