City of Fall River begins statewide search for new police chief, Two City Councilors issue statements after Chief Furtado’s retirement announcement

According to a release issued by the City of Fall River, Police Chief Kelly Furtado informed Mayor Paul Coogan that she would be on leave effective April 22, 2026, and of her intent to retire effective June 1, 2026. Deputy Chief JT Hoar will oversee Police Operations in Chief Furtado’s absence.

The city has submitted a requisition to Civil Service to do a statewide search for a permanent Civil Service Chief. The City is currently evaluating options for temporarily filling the Chief’s position until a permanent Civil Service Chief can be appointed. The City states that they will have a plan in place prior to June 1st.

“I want to thank Chief Furtado for her 38 years of service to the City of Fall River, and especially for the last 18 months serving as Chief.” As Chief, she restructured the department’s specialized units which allowed for the ability to solve homicide more expeditiously, the seizure of numerous illegal firearms and the removal of significant quantities of drugs from our streets.

She also reestablished strong working relationships with local, state, and federal partners. As Chief she hired 46 new police officers, including lateral transfers, and facilitated the return of 6 officers who had previously left the department. She also established a Peer Support Group to provide officers with access to support for mental health challenges, including trauma, and cumulative stress was established under her leadership”. Mayor Coogan stated.

“I have spent my entire adult life in a profession that demanded resilience. I came up in a time when this field was overwhelmingly male dominated, and I learned early on that you earn your place through hard work, integrity, and standing your ground. I have never backed down from a challenge. And I have never walked away from a fight when it mattered. But leadership is not just about standing your ground. It is about knowing when the fight itself begins to take a toll on the very people you are trying to protect. What we are seeing right now is not healthy for this Department or this city”. – Chief Kelly Furtado

“So, to Chief Kelly Furtado the citizens are grateful for your service, and we wish you the very best in your next chapter. Thank you for protecting and serving the City of Fall River for 38 years,” said Mayor Coogan.

After Chief Furtado announced she was retiring, City Councilor Shawn Cadime issued a statement.

“I want to acknowledge and thank Chief Furtado for her decades of service to the City of Fall River and the Police Department. Despite our differences, a 38-year career in public safety is deserving of recognition and respect, and I wish her the very best in her retirement.

“I also want to be clear about my position, as it was referenced in her statement. My stance has never been about obstruction or targeting the Police Department. It has always been about accountability and transparency at the highest levels of leadership.

“As elected and appointed officials, we have a responsibility to the public and to the officers who serve this community to take allegations of abuse of power seriously and act on them without delay.

“Calling for an independent investigation is not an attack; it is a safeguard. It allows us to either validate the integrity of the department or identify issues that must be addressed. Either outcome strengthens public trust, which is essential for any law enforcement agency.

“What should concern people is not the call for transparency, but the resistance to it.

“This is not about politics or ego. It is about doing our jobs as leaders and ensuring that public confidence in our departments is earned and maintained.

“I remain committed to working collaboratively, but I will continue to stand firm on this issue. I will oppose requests brought forward by the Mayor until there is a clear, mutual commitment between the Mayor and the City Council to support a fully independent investigation. Protecting public trust and ensuring transparency must be the priority, and we have an obligation to see that through.”

City Council President Cliff Ponte released the following after Cadime’s statement.

“I continue to stand with Councilor Cadime and my other colleagues on the City Council in reaffirming our shared commitment to accountability, transparency, and the public trust. Our responsibility to the people we serve requires independent oversight that validates integrity and identifies any issues that must be addressed at the highest levels of leadership.

“I CONTINUE to support a fully independent investigation into leadership and practices to ensure public confidence and to protect the safety and rights of both residents and those who serve them. This stance is not about obstructing any department; it is about safeguarding the public interest and strengthening the integrity of city governance.

“It wasn’t about the Chief, never was. People can say what they want, but the principle remains – accountability first.

“I remain committed to constructive collaboration with the Mayor and colleagues, while insisting that any requests or actions explicitly include a clear, mutual commitment to an independent investigation.

“Protecting public trust and ensuring transparent leadership must be our guiding priorities.

“Remember – It’s never easy to make tough decisions or take unpopular positions and get called out publicly – it’s called leadership and as long as I’m involved in government – I am not going to change that approach!”