Nick Cocchi grew up in Ludlow and never left. After graduating from Ludlow High School, he earned a B.S. in Government from Western New England University and later an MBA from Elms College. In 2021, Elms honored him with an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters for his humanitarian and philanthropic work in Western Massachusetts. That fall, he also began teaching criminal justice leadership at American International College in Springfield—sharing practical insights with the next generation of public-safety leaders.
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Nick’s career with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office is a true example of working your way up. He joined as a seasonal, part-time correctional officer in 1993, steadily advancing until his election as Sheriff in 2016. Along the way, he received multiple departmental honors, including Employee of the Month, the Distinguished Service Award, and the prestigious Dodson Award for exceptional service.
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Along with his wife Wendi, he’s raising three sons—Owen, Max, and Sam.
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Building a Stronger, Safer Community
Tackling the opioid crisis has been a central focus of Sheriff Cocchi’s leadership. Recognizing the lack of treatment options in Western Massachusetts, he established a medication-assisted treatment program and founded the Stonybrook Stabilization & Treatment Center under Section 35. That initiative more than doubled the region’s addiction-treatment bed capacity. Under his guidance, the Hampden County Addiction Taskforce has reached approximately 2,200 individuals over two years, placing over 240 into treatment and helping 1,600 begin their recovery journeys.
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Innovation in community outreach is at the heart of his approach. Deputies patrol Springfield’s Forest Park during the warmer months, while in the winter they staff the Friends of the Homeless emergency shelter—ensuring vulnerable residents are cared for year-round. His successful truancy-prevention initiative in Springfield has been expanded to Chicopee, helping more students stay on track to graduate.
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When COVID-19 struck, Cocchi mobilized the department’s York Street Industries to manufacture personal protective equipment, supporting healthcare workers, correctional staff, and inmates across New England. The department also assisted with mass testing and vaccination sites and launched the First Responder Recovery Home—a safe place for frontline personnel to recuperate without risking their families.
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Behind the Walls: Reducing Recidivism, Empowering Futures
Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has dramatically expanded educational and vocational programming inside its facilities. Inmates now have access to high-paying career training in forestry, welding, advanced manufacturing, graphic arts, CDL certification, and more.
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He launched Freedom Pups, a pioneering program where inmates train shelter dogs—improving the dogs’ adoptability while teaching empathy, responsibility, and vocational skills. The program has transformed lives and found loving homes for many dogs.
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Additional innovations include new Mounted and Marine Patrol Units and an Emotional Support Division featuring therapy dogs—extending the department’s reach into parks, waterways, and public spaces.
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Supporting Staff & the Broader Region
Sheriff Cocchi is a strong advocate for his team. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense named the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office a “Patriotic Employer” for its support of National Guard and Reserve personnel—offering flexible schedules, deployment leave, and family assistance. The office proudly employs more than 100 veterans and dozens of active-duty service members.
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He currently serves as President of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, working with fellow Sheriffs to expand officer wellness programs, substance-use disorder treatment, re-entry services, and legislative reforms for criminal justice.
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A Vision for the Future
Sheriff Cocchi’s leadership is defined by a “never say no” attitude. He continually seeks partnerships, fresh ideas, and creative solutions to meet the unmet needs of the 23 cities and towns of Hampden County. Whether improving public safety, enhancing treatment options, supporting youth, or aiding first responders, Nick’s goal remains the same: to uplift people, strengthen families, and build safer, healthier communities for all.
