Macaranas returns as DOC deputy commissioner

Although not completely out of retirement, former assistant police chief Anthony Iglecias Macaranas has returned to government service, this time as the new deputy commissioner for the Department of Corrections—a post he will serve on a pro bono basis.

Macaranas, who retired from the police force in 2022 after serving for 35 years, has returned from a brief hiatus and will now serve a crucial role in rehabilitating inmates—a complete change from his role as an arresting officer.

Macaranas officially began his new role yesterday.

“Coming back into the government sector, it’s a nice feeling. I like being back at work. When I first started in DOC, for a few months, I was placed in the Division of Corrections. So, I am not really new to the system, and I believe I have some [knowledge] about how it’s run. Now as deputy commissioner, I could learn a lot more. It’s going to be [a challenge] because I’ve been filling this building up as a police officer. Now I have to find ways to transition these individuals out. So part of the task is to find ways to help these individuals and make them ready to return to the community. You cannot just house them, feed them, watch them; we also have to find ways to help them so that when they return to the community, they will be productive citizens instead of going out and being idle out there. We need to help them find their livelihoods for when they leave this institution,” he said.

Macaranas believes it is his calling to work for the government and in public safety, so when DOC Commissioner Anthony Torres called him about the position, he finally gave in this month.

“Since June 1, 2023, commissioner Torres has been calling me constantly about the position. But I believe it’s a calling [for me]. So, I decided to take on the position and help him and help the institution. I’m not here for any personal interests or personal gain. I’m here to give back to the community,” he said.

The former assistant chief of police is working with DOC without pay and does not plan to receive a salary for his role as deputy commissioner.

“To be clear, I’m not getting a salary from the government. I’m still receiving retirement pay. I’m working pro bono for DOC. I don’t plan to receive a salary. I just want to give back to the government and to provide my services [for the community],” he said.

Torres said that Macaranas will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing the organization’s strategic initiatives; and upholding DOC’s commitment to excellence.

Torres adds that with Macaranas’ extensive background in public safety and leadership will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the department.

“We are excited about the leadership and vision deputy commissioner Macaranas will bring into this position and we look forward to working together to achieve our collective goals. I do want to thank our governor and lieutenant governor for their utmost support for our initiatives at DOC. It’s an honor and privilege to have such an honorable man next to me, working with me side by side. His reputation precedes him and I’m very excited. We’ve been meeting a lot, and our visions are aligned. I’m excited to work together to continue elevating this department,” he said.

Torres shared that, since taking office a year ago, he has had to wear different hats: working on grants and funding for the department; serving as the department’s public information officer, and serving as DOC’s warden.

“I’m okay with having all those roles, but I’m also man enough to say when I can’t do it all myself,” he said.

After realizing he needed help, Torres started his search for a deputy commissioner, a role that has not been filled for a while, and he was determined to have Macaranas on board. Fortunately, because they shared the same mission in terms of public safety, Macaranas finally agreed to come on board.

“I needed a solid, right-hand man who could help me push forward with our initiatives and I wasn’t just going to select anybody. It had to be the right person and I believe it was providential for the deputy commissioner. His reputation, his experience, and most importantly, our visions align for our people and our Commonwealth. With his knowledge and expertise and the leadership skills he brings to the table, I’m very grateful and very honored that he accepted the call to help elevate DOC. Deputy commissioner Macaranas is going to be assisting me with running the daily operations of our prison, implementing training because he comes from an extensive background of [police] training, and he will be able to carry that over into this role,” Torres said.