Fall River’s Police Chief and Deputy Chief a no show at City Council police budget hearing

Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furatado and Deputy Police Chief J.T. Hoar were notably absent at tonight’s City Council meeting focused on the public safety portion of the FY26 budget. Instead, Deputy Barden Castro (likely the senior officer left in Fall River) and Sergeant Peter Duz showed up to answer questions.

Noticably annoyed, Councilor Shawn Cadime voiced his displeasure and pointed out that all other department heads have been present the past few days during budget hearings. A motion to postpone the police budget portion of the hearing was made and approved. Chief Furtado will be asked to come back two weeks later to present her budget and answer questions.

Failing to get a three-year contract weeks ago, Furtado received a one-year contract to become Fall River’s Police Chief. Last night’s hearing was scheduled weeks in advance, but City Council President Joe Camara and other councilors stated they just heard about the cancellation today. Other councilors stated they were never notified. Councilor Brad Kilby stated that he received a message from Furtado that she was “at an important engagement.” Deputy Chief Hoar was out of state at a police conference.

Budget hearings are scheduled to allow department heads to present their budgets and to field questions from councilors who have the power to make budget changes that can impact their departments positively or negatively.