John Ramirez of Springfield, Mass., has been promoted to Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) Manager of Public Safety and Security. In this role, Ramirez will assume many of the responsibilities previously assigned to ESE’s former Director of Public Safety and Security, including corresponding with the elite team of first responders that serves ESE.

Ramirez joined the team in August of 2022 when he became captain of Public Safety and Security. Prior to his employment at ESE, he served in the United States Navy as a radioman. Afterward, he worked at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department from 1988-2021 first as an apprehension officer within the department’s Gang Intelligence unit. Eventually, he rose to the rank of corporal. In 2019, he served as a liaison officer during The Big E at ESE in West Springfield, Mass.

In the fall of 2025, a public safety liaison will work at The Big E with Ramirez to provide additional support and ease his transition. Together they will ensure effective communication amongst local police and fire departments, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), EMTs and all other emergency responders. They will also meet the needs ESE’s various departments, gate security and vendors.

“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role at ESE,” said Ramirez. “It means a lot to me that ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy entrusted me with this position. I look forward to maintaining the security and safety of our grounds and all our patrons.”

Outside of the workplace, Ramirez generously gives his time to the License Commission for the city of Springfield, the Springfield Boys and Girls Club’s Board of Directors and serves as a part-time scout for the St. Louis Cardinals.

ESE is grateful to Ramirez for his renewed commitment to the safety and security of its facilities and visitors.