City of Fall River holds swearing in ceremony for new Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain

Today, Government Center hosted a Fall River Police Department promotion and swearing-in ceremony.

Paul F. Gauvin was sworn in as Police Chief.

Barden H. Castro was sworn in as Deputy Chief of Police.

David P. Murphy was sworn in as Captain of Police.

Mayor Coogan, State Rep. Carole Fiola, State Rep Alan Silvia, City Councilor Leo Pellitier, City Councilor Andrew Raposo, and School Committee member Kevin Aguiar were among those present.

The ceremony took place on the Sixth Floor of Government Center in the Fall River Room.

Chief Gauvin has over 24 years of service with the Fall River Police Department. He has served in the Vice and Intelligence Unit, Staff Services, Professional Standards, Major Crimes Division and as a Uniform Division Watch Commander.

Gauvin became Acting Chief in December of 2021 when Chief Jeffrey Cardoza took an extended leave for health-related reasons until his retirement in March. Gauvin’s promotion was approved by the City Council in May.

The new Chief takes over during a controversial time for the police department as in the last few years scandals concerning police brutality, social media posts, and issues involving evidence not being handled properly have taken place.

In January, Gauvin announced the termination of Officer Thomas Roberts after admitting to filing a false police report.

Earlier that same month, Gauvin terminated Officer Michael Pessoa after excessive force allegations.

Serving many years on the Fall River Police Department, Castro was previously promoted to Captain in 2021 and headed the Office of Professional Standards.

Murphy was promoted to Lieutenant in the Fall River Police Department in 2021 after many years of service before being promoted to Captain.