Springfield's mayor said 2012 was a "safer year" in the city

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno  said he's looking forward to maintaining the city's police force at full staffing, and keeping crime down in 2013.

Sarno delivered a wide ranging speech on city issues to the Armoury-Quadrangle Civic Association at the Classical High Condominiums Thursday night.

Sarno praised Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet for making the city safer in 2012.

"Believe it or not, last year crime was down 8% over all in the city of Springfield," Sarno said.  "The murder rate, and one murder is too much don't get me wrong, the lowest in 10 years in the city of Springfield.  And we're doing that with 160 fewer cops than in the President Clinton years"

• 2012 Springfield, Mass Murders
• Crime Watch: Mug Shots
• Springfield Arrest Logs

Mayor Sarno announced his plans to hold a new police academy soon to add 20 to 22 officers to replace retiring police men and women.